Post-Quantum Cryptography Infrastructure for Trust and Homomorphic Encryption within Health Care

Context: All existing public key methods, such as RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) will be broken with the usage of quantum computers. These methods will be replaced by post quantum cryptography (PQC) methods for digital signing, such as for lattice-based and hash-based signatures. Unfortunately, most of our trusted infrastructures for the PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and blockchain are based on either RSA and ECC, and thus need to be replaced. These PQC methods often have additional features that enable enhanced privacy, such as in the implementation of homomorphic encryption (and which allows for the processing of encryption data).

Focus: This research aims to provide a replacement framework for the integration of PQC methods, and build identity systems and sharing systems in health care which support quantum robustness [1, 2]. This will likely to be applied into a key application area, such as replacing existing blockchain infrastructures, self-soveign identity systems, and in trusted information sharing in health care [3]. A particular focus of the work is on improving the performance of existing post-quantum cryptography methods for their performance, and with a trade-off against overall security [4], and in the application of homomorphic encryption for privacy-aware processing of health care data [5]. The work has more of a focus on the application into a specific domain, rather than the formal methods involved in PQC.

Why undertake this PhD? The work will be undertaken with the Blockpass ID Lab at Edinburgh Napier and which is the first research lab in the world to focus on identity and trust, and is advancing in many areas of privacy-aware systems. This lab is led by Prof Bill Buchanan and who has a long track record of success in creating highly successful spin-out companies (Zonefox, Symphonic and Cyan Forensics), and in commercialising research work. Overall, the PhD research work has the potential to build into a licencing or spin-out opportunity, and will likely integration with health care providers.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Computer Science-related or Electronic Engineering with a good fundamental knowledge of software development.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Experience of fundamental cybersecurity and computer science.
• Competent in software development
• Knowledge of encryption.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:

• An interest in cryptography.

For enquiries about the content of the project, please email Professor Bill Buchanan b.buchanan@napier.ac.uk

For information about how to apply, please visit our website https://www.napier.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/research-degrees/how-to-apply

To apply, please select the link for the PhD Computing FT application form.