The expansion of edge computing is posing new challenges for cybersecurity: solutions need to offer robust security with low energy and low latency. To answer this challenge, the NEUROPULS project, funded by the European Union (EU), is taking a novel, neuromorphic approach, developing photonics-based hardware security primitives that draw on the properties of light for robust, yet lightweight, cybersecurity layers. HiPEAC caught up with NEUROPULS coordinator Fabio Pavanello (CNRS – Center for Radiofrequencies, Optics, and Microelectronics in the Alps – CROMA laboratory) to find out more.