Anonymization Defense GUARD (GUarding Anonymization pRoceDures)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE AB - Digitala System |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 7 581 140 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - October 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Advanced digitalization - Enabling technologies |
| Call | Cyber security for industrial advanced digitalization 2023 |
Important results from the project
The GUARD project fulfilled all three main objectives through collaboration between RISE, Engage Studios AB and Halmstad Högskola. We developed a complete threat analysis framework, created HYDRO - an anonymization system that drastically reduces reconstruction risk, and established XDeiD3D (https://github.com/espressoshock/xdeid3d) for 3D visualization of anonymization performance. In addition, we delivered a public demonstration platform (https://guard.ri.se/).
Expected long term effects
GUARD is expected to enable GDPR-compliant data sharing in Swedish industry, especially in automotive, surveillance and healthcare. By establishing secure anonymization solutions, companies can accelerate AI development without compromising personal privacy. The project creates a foundation for the commercialization of robust anonymization tools, strengthening Sweden´s competitiveness in data-driven solutions.
Approach and implementation
The project was implemented according to a five-work package structure. RISE coordinated the project and led threat analysis, attack development and robustness testing. Engage Studios developed core anonymization systems, implemented defense mechanisms and conducted extensive evaluations. Halmstad Högskola led the research in explainable AI and developed the 3D performance evaluation framework. The iterative approach where attacks and defenses were developed in parallel worked excellently.