Integrating Biometrics and Public Key Infrastructure

The Project
Palm vein biometrics seems to offer a promising solution to the issue of security in e-transactions. Palm vein images can be collected without the palm making contact with a device and only work if blood is running through the veins so have to be captured live.

This offers advantages over other biometric measures which are more error-prone, intrusive and liable to fraud. The predominant security used in general internet and e-commerce communication is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) which does not currently use biometric methods. The idea of integrating biometrics with PKI challenging because biometric information is prone to error. Environmental conditions such as lighting or temperature, or a person's physical condition can affect the data capture.

However palm vein biometrics has advantages in that palm vein patterns more stable throughout life and images less affected by environmental conditions. A further concern in biometrics is that many biometric systems store biometric data in databases outside the user’s control and this has been a cause for concern. This project will explore the use of palm vein biometrics in PKI without necessarily storing the biometric data directly in a database outside the user’s control.

Duration: 3 years Fixed Term (Studentships are available to commence during academic year 15/16- start date will be specified to successful candidates)

About the Centre/Department
Coventry University offers world–leading research in computer science and informatics. Our strengths are in the fields of Distributed Systems, Computational Intelligence, Serious Games and Cybersecurity.

Members of national and international teams, our professors, readers and senior academics work with industry to reach new heights of discovery in computer science creating innovations that benefit society and solve global problems.

We are seeking top quality graduates to help us in this quest. Excellent supervision in a nurturing, vibrant research environment will be offered to successful candidates in order that they can reach their highest potential when pursuing the PhD programme.

Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will have:
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average, or

- A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).

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

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

Additionally:
- Knowledge or experience in computer science and internet.
- A good knowledge of programming, operating systems and network systems.
- Strong interest in computer security
- Good mathematical ability

Find out how to apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/

See the website: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/integrating-biometrics-and-public-key-infrastructure/