Security and Privacy for IoT Networks

Summary

Positioned within Ulster University’s Pervasive Computing Research Centre (PCRC) in the Schoolof Computing, this research theme focuses on advancing secure and privacy preserving technologies for next generation Internet of Things networks.

The work aligns with sectoral priorities in Software and Cyber Security.

PhD researchers will explore cutting edge solutions such as physical layer security for 6G IoT. The project aims to deliver scalable, energy efficient, and transparent security mechanisms that enhance resilience, interoperability, and public trust in emerging IoT infrastructures.

The transition from 5G to 6G networks marks significant improvements in communication technology, including ultra-low latency of one microsecond, support for billions of connected devices, and peak data rates reaching the Tbps range.

These improvements will support emerging applications such as autonomous driving, remote healthcare, and immersive virtual reality. However, the increased speed, network heterogeneity, and extensive use of virtualisation introduce new challenges, especially regarding security and privacy.

This PhD aims to develop advanced physical layer security techniques for 6G IoT networks. The focus is on creating a robust and adaptive security framework capable of countering threats such as interference, jamming, eavesdropping, and data spoofing, while being tailored to the IoT devices with limited energy and computational resources.

The PhD will address three critical challenges of next-generation communication systems:

• Firstly, it aims to develop models for evaluating secrecy performance, providing robust protection against threats in ultra-dense 6G environments.
• Secondly, it focuses on optimising resource allocation, maximising secrecy and energy efficiency performance while considering low power and computational limitations of IoT devices.
• Thirdly, it leverages AI to design adaptive, lightweight security algorithms that enhance detection accuracy and adjust to dynamic network conditions.

The PhD contributes to the telecommunications industry, and this project can be supported by liaison with Ulster University’s BT Ireland Innovation Centre to provide access to data, test problems and insight into industry priorities.

In particular, the PhD can contribute to developing next generation autonomous IoT platforms that can automate and self-regulate management of IoT services. The PhD is also applicable to secure creation and deployment of software, enabling customers to determine the provenance and integrity of software.

The project can also contribute to protecting IoT networks of devices that cannot support typical encryption algorithms, which is essential for secure deployment and operation of IoT networks in the home.

Applying to Multiple Projects: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Computing, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

The School of Computing at Ulster University holds Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2016 and is committed to promote and advance gender equality in Higher Education.  We particularly welcome female applicants,as they are under represented within the school.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period