PhD Studentship: Transforming Cybersecurity by Fortifying Digital Infrastructures for the Quantum Age
5 days ago
Supervisory Team: Dr Basel Halak, Dr Erisa Karafili
Project description:
This PhD project focuses on developing strategies to secure digital infrastructures against the imminent threats posed by quantum computers.
Quantum computing technology, leveraging Shor's algorithm, is expected to dismantle existing public-key cryptography. This jeopardizes the security of modern digital infrastructures like banking, emails, and cryptocurrency. NIST has recently introduced the first group of post-quantum-cryptography (PQC) algorithms designed to counteract quantum attacks. However, transitioning millions of systems to these quantum-resistant algorithms requires a strategic and systematic approach. Your fundamental challenge will be to identify the most critical systems to transition first, anticipating how adversaries might exploit quantum technology.
In this project, you will conduct an in-depth threat analysis of quantum-computer attacks on cyber-physical systems, considering system configurations, data criticality, and attack likelihood. You will develop a systematic method to identify at-risk system assets, creating a crypto inventory for analysis. Using techniques like Attack Trees, you will predict the stages of a quantum-computer attack and determine when the rest of the system might be compromised.
Your research aims to produce two significant outcomes:
A quantum risk assessment tool to construct a cryptographic asset list, identify components needing post-quantum upgrades, and estimate associated risks.
- A testbed network with diverse hardware and software capabilities, providing a realistic environment to evaluate the performance and security of post-quantum algorithms.
You will join the Cyber Security Research Group recognised as Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) and Education (ACE-CSR), and work with Dr Basel Halak and Dr Erisa Karafili.
Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector.
Entry Requirements
This PhD studentship requires UK Citizenship. First Honours or 2:1 bachelors or masters degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or related areas. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.
Closing date: 31st July 2024.
Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How To Apply
Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study ).
Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select "Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security "
In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Basel Halak.
Applications should include:
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
For further information please contact: feps-pgr-
£23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.
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