Project Summary
We live in a world of ever-increasing digital interconnectivity and are rapidly moving towards pervasive autonomous systems. Recent widespread cyber attacks such as WannaCry demonstrate the devastating impact an out-of-control attack can have on networked computer systems. While this example could have been prevented by keeping systems up to date, we are inevitably going to see more automation of attacks that are intelligent and difficult to defend against.
The PhD studentship in Automated Cyber Defence will build on the long standing collaboration between Cardiff University & Airbus, and our recent ground-breaking research into the early-detection of cyber attacks – seeing ransomware detected within 4 seconds, and reducing file system damage by over 80%. The PhD will seek to lay foundations in the development of “game playing” cyber attack and defence methods, to pick up the early warning signs of an attack on enterprise networks and “learn how to defend” by selecting appropriate automated defence mechanisms, depending on the context of the attack. Core to this proposition will be innovation in representing attack and defence tactics, and artificial logic and intelligence around how to select a suitable automated response to imminent attacks. We are seeking an open minded, creative individual to join the team and develop world class research outcomes with industrial applications. You will join the ESPRC DTP Hub in Cyber Security Analytics at Cardiff University, becoming part of an interdisciplinary cohort of students studying the human and algorithmic aspects of AI in the context of cybersecurity.
Objectives:
i) develop methods to automatically vulnerability-test an enterprise network and orchestrate a set of attacks against these vulnerabilities
ii) develop methods to learn how to strategically defend the network and its devices against a range of increasingly complex attacks in real-time in a responsible, auditable and explainable manner.
Potential impact
The successful candidate will be embedded within the Cardiff/Airbus research team at their Newport offices (20 mins from the University) for part of your working week. This will enable you to determine the factors associated with the deployment of new methods for automated cyber defence within the business, and also to align with the £8m Airbus Cyber Lab programme, which includes next generation cyber defence as a core research theme. All combined, the opportunity is to translate the outcomes from your research into new products and processes at Airbus.
Deadline for applications – 30th July 2021
External Partner (Airbus)
- Airbus will support on project definition and steering, including industrial relevance
- The student will be expected to work for at least a day a week at Airbus’ Newport Office (20 mins from the University and on a main bus route)
- Basic security clearance procedures will be necessary to gain access to Airbus’ site
- The student will sign a contract between the university and Airbus
Application format
Please provide the following information in your application
- Academic background – we are seeking creative and energetic individuals from a range of backgrounds. We require a 1st or 2:1 at first degree level and/or or distinction at Masters degree level to apply. Example degree subjects include (but are not limited to): computer science, psychology, criminology, sociology, law, and business. We also welcome those who have significant relevant work experience.
- Describe any experience of research
- Write a short statement on what you understand the topic of cyber security analytics to be and what excites you about it
- Write a short statement on how your experience fits to the project to which you have applied, and how you would approach the project
- Write a short statement on why you would like to undertake PhD research in a multi-disciplinary cohort, and how you think the experience will benefit your career in comparison with studying as an individual student.
Apply online - https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/computer-science-and-informatics
Shortlisting and assessment process
We will hold online interviews shortly after the application deadline
We will ask for a 15 minute presentation with maximum 4 slides
- Why I want to do a PhD
- Why I want to join this cohort
- What will we know when I’m finished that we don’t know now?
- What will the impacts of my research be?
All students face a single panel comprised of 4 supervisors advertising studentships, the Hub Director as chair, and the Hub EDI lead
For more information, please contact the hub’s Academic Lead, Professor Pete Burnap, [Email Address Removed]
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