Security and Privacy for 6G IoT Networks

Summary

The transition from 5G to 6G network is expected to mark 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 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 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 and eavesdropping, while being tailored to the constraints of IoT devices, including limited energy and computational resources.

The PhD will contribute to knowledge by addressing 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 secrecy performance while considering the 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 can contribute to the telecommunications industry, and this project can be supported by liaison with BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIIC) to provide insight into industry priorities. In particular, the PhD can contribute to developing next-generation autonomous IoT platforms that can automate and self-regulate the management of IoT services. The PhD applies 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 the secure deployment and operation of IoT networks in the home.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• 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)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

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.