Model-based Security Testing for RFIDs in Automotive

This PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. The successful applicant will spend the 1st year at Coventry University and the following year at Deakin University and then the final 1.5 years at Coventry University

The supervision team will be drawn from the two Universities.

In modern vehicles, connectivity is employed for communication not only between internal components but also with other vehicles and roadside units. The more connected a vehicle is, the more attack vectors it has to face. Therefore, it is vital for car manufacturers to make vehicles cybersecure by first understanding the risks and then engineering security requirements. However, it is even more important to be able to ensure to an acceptable degree that security requirements are correctly implemented. While the V cycle for engineering automotive embedded systems have been well established, security testing is currently at a relatively low level of maturity compared to other sectors.

Model-based testing provides a systematic approach to generating test suites from formal models of system designs, where the formal models capture system behaviour in an unambiguous and mathematically precise way. In this project, model-based security testing focusses on security requirements, where we investigate RFID interfaces serving as a model based on widely accepted RFID specification. The project seeks to augment the existing design methodology for automotive embedded systems with model-based security testing. This will increase the confidence that automotive systems connected through RFID are secure by design and security properties are realised in the implementation.

Training and Development

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. 

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme. 

This includes; 

•    Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).

•    A Masters degree in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Merit level. In addition, the mark for the Masters dissertation (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%. Please note that where a candidate has 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first-class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer-reviewed publications, research-related awards or prizes and/or professional reports.

•    Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component). 

•    The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study. 

For an overview of each University’s entry requirements please visit: 

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/cotutelle-phd-programmes/ 

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/research-degree-entry-pathways

Please note that it is essential to be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (England) and Deakin University (Australia)

For further details visit

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/cotutelle-phd-programmes/

Please note that it is essential to be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (England) and Deakin University (Australia)

To find out more about the project please contact Siraj Shaikh

[Email Address Removed]

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project. 

Please note that applications must be made to both Universities

To apply please visit:

https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/studentships/eec-model-based-security-testing-for-rfids-in-automotive

(Coventry University)

For Deakin University http://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/how-to-apply-research-degrees