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  Secure-by-Design for IoT in the Built Environment


   School of Engineering, Technology and Design

   Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems play a crucial role in our economic prosperity and development. It is now more critical than ever for technology and building manufacturers to prioritize “Secure-by-Design” in their processes for designing and developing smart environments. The main cybersecurity concern associated with "Secure-by-design for IoT in the Built Environment" is ensuring the security and protection of IoT devices integrated into the built environment.

As IoT devices become increasingly prevalent in various aspects of our surroundings, such as smart homes, smart buildings, and smart cities, it is crucial to design and implement robust security measures right from the initial stages of development. This entails addressing vulnerabilities, implementing encryption protocols, establishing secure communication channels, and employing strong access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access, data breaches, and potential cyberattacks. These measures are strongly recommended for every smart environment to eliminate the need for customers to constantly monitor, perform routine updates, and carry out damage control to mitigate cyber intrusions. Developers should take ownership of improving the security outcomes for their customers.

Ideal Candidate:

We invite applications from candidates with a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, built environment, or any relevant STEM field from a UK university. The applicant should have an interest in applied artificial learning in engineering. We seek individuals who have a passion for coding, scripting, and analytics and are enthusiastic about pushing the limits of machine learning and artificial intelligence. This project requires innovative thinking and programming skills. While prior experience in machine learning would be advantageous, it is not a prerequisite. Candidates with work experience will be given preference, but it is not mandatory. We also value candidates willing to travel, collaborate, and communicate scientific findings.

How to Apply:

Please direct all enquiries and submit your application in one single PDF document in English to: Dr Leishi Zhang , Dr Ahmad Musa The document should contain:

I.Letter of motivation (possible research questions are desirable)

II.Updated CV, including publications, if any

III.Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation if available)

About the University:

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) is located in the world-famous Cathedral city of Canterbury, amongst stunning history and heritage. Canterbury is a thriving international destination, with many students and staff choosing to study and work here, making this historic, cosmopolitan city vibrant and culturally diverse. We are strongly committed to equality and recognise the value of diverse students and staff. The research of this project will be undertaken within the School of Engineering, Technology, and Design (ETD) at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU).

Computer Science (8)

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