Funded PhD Research Studentship: Advanced cyber-attack detection and mitigation system for IoT devices

Funded PhD Research Studentship: Advanced cyber-attack detection and mitigation system for IoT devices

University of Plymouth - Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics

Qualification type: PhD

Location: Plymouth

Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students

Funding amount: £14,777 stipend per annum, plus UK/EU tuition fees

Hours: Full Time 

Placed on: 29th May 2018

Closes: 25th June 2018

Supervisors:

Dr Stavros Shiaeles.

Dr Bogdan Ghita.

Dr Nathan Clarke.

Project description:

The grand vision of the Internet of Things (IoT) is to establish a whole new ecosystem comprised of heterogeneous connected devices that communicate to deliver environments making our living, cities, transport, energy, and many other areas more intelligent. Earlier forecasts on the number of connected devices estimated their number around 50 billion by 2020.

Such technological evolution is also making our society vulnerable to new forms of threats and attacks exploiting the complexity and heterogeneity of IoT networks, therefore rendering cyber-security amongst the most important aspects of a networked world.

The proposed research aims to explore IoT vulnerabilities and propose and innovative gateway that will utilise Deep Learning, fuzzy and deep packet inspection in order to detecting and mitigate Botnets that use IoT devices for DDoS and RoQ attacks. . 

Eligibility:

The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in networks, mathematical modelling and cyber security. You will have experience in programming languages and have a passion for research.

Essential:

Bachelor degree in Computer Science (UK equivalent of 2:1 classification or above);

Keen Interest in research topics of the respective projects;

Programming experience (any language);

Analytical and formal skills: knowledge of foundations of computer science (e.g. discrete mathematics and/or calculus) and of relevant mathematical background;

Ability to think independently and self-learning capabilities;

Strong verbal and written communication skills, both in plain English (see http://www.plainenglish.co.uk) and scientific language for publication in relevant journals and presentation at conferences;

Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English;

If English is not your first language, you should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Desirable:

Master’s degree (UK equivalent of Merit classification or above);

Proficiency in C, Python and/or Java;

Flexible, able to work collaboratively;

Knowledge of Fuzzy Logic and Deep Learning;

A strong team player with good interpersonal skills able to build and sustain effective working relationships with the research group;

Self-motivated researcher, with a hands-on approach, willing to develop their technical and analytical skills and contribute to the overall aims of the research project in innovative ways;

Proven organisational skills for self and others.

The studentship is supported for three years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £14,777 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will be required to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £10,350 per annum).

General information about applying for a research degree at Plymouth University is available at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/the-graduate-school/applicants-and-enquirers

You can apply via the online application form which can be found at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/postgraduate and click ‘Apply’.

Please mark it FAO Mrs Carole Watson and clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship within the School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Stavros Shiaeles.

More information about this studentship and how to apply is available on our website.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 25th June 2018.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by end of July should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.