About the Project
Eligibility: UK/EU students only
Award Details: £15,000 Bursary plus tuition fees
Duration: Full Time - 3 years 6 months fixed term
Application deadline: This opportunity will only remain open until a suitable candidate is identified- early application is therefore advised. Standard University research application closing dates apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
Informal enquiries are essential before application; contact Dr. Jeremy Bryans to discuss this opportunity: [Email Address Removed]
As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-research-at-coventry/
Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/research-studentships-the-benefits/?id=98267
The Project
The aim of this PhD is the investigation of available simulation/emulation tools and their suitability in security analysis, and to develop the framework, methods and tools for ECU security testing based on the target platform, available tools and relevant attacks and countermeasures.
Research Questions:
The fidelity of simulation experiments varies, as does the price of the hardware on which the simulations are carried out. It is likely that there is an inverse relationship when testing for performance characteristics, but we need to determine how the fidelity of security experiments changes across different testing set-ups.
The contributions of this PhD will include
(1) The development of a penetration testing methodology for a set of vehicle configurations, and
(2) A prototype tool for automating these tests.
The candidate will be part of the CCAAR project: ECU/Component-level Security Testing and Analysis. The will have access to CCAAR security laboratory equipment with an in-kind value of approximately £100k. This will allow them to rapidly change ECU/network and sensor configurations. They will also have the services of two HORIBA MIRA engineers, one in hardware and one in software, and shared with related HORIBA MIRA projects. The contribution is valued at approximately £150k.
The candidate will also have access to a less sophisticated vehicle simulator from Vector, available within the cybersecurity group. This allows us to simulate a vehicle network including several software-based ECUs and one hardware-based ECU (which allows for actual actuation in a real network).
They will also have access to HORIBA MIRA test facilities and vehicles.
About the Centre/Department
Our research in Mobility & Transport (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/mobility-transport/) works across our faculties and focuses on the design and engineering of future transport systems, including the growing influence of the internet and connectivity. The focus is on inclusive, sustainable and safe transport integrating the strongest research elements in design and engineering. Future transport systems have a number of high level aims including ambitions to totally eliminate road fatalities, to eliminate congestion, to provide users with seamless integrated and connected transport systems, to eliminate emissions and to develop vehicles and systems that use lightweight, efficient and recycled materials.
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 and/or experience in the subject of hardware or software testing
a good knowledge of vehicle security
experimental, modelling or analytical experience
experience of (or a willingness to quickly learn) about vehicle systems.
ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application Procedure:
Application information can be found in our how to apply section. Before completing the application please contact Dr. Jeremy Bryans - [Email Address Removed] (cc'ing [Email Address Removed] when you do) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.
Eligibility:
All UK/EU students are eligible to apply that meet the academic requirements, the eligibility criteria can be found making an application page: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/