Post-quantum cryptographic systems for securing communication in IoT systems.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research project on developing post-quantum cryptographic systems for securing communication in Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

Classical cryptographic systems which are used to protect our sensitive data, are now under threat from the advent of quantum computing. Quantum computers use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations that are not possible for classical computers. This immense processing power poses a significant risk to traditional cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA and ECC, which form the backbone of our current security infrastructure.

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) involves the development of cryptographic algorithms that can provide security against the power of quantum computing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has started this initiative for evaluation and standardising PQC algorithms for replacement or augmentation of existing standards. The famous PQC algorithms are lattice-based algorithms such as Kyber (a key encapsulation mechanism) and Dilithium (a digital signature algorithm), both of which offer robust security against quantum attacks while maintaining efficiency and performance.

In general, PQC algorithms can be hard to compute on IoT systems, which usually consist of lightweight devices with limited computational power. This project will take up these new PQC algorithms and their implementations and test, evaluate, and scrutinize them given a wide range of fundamental design constraints and implementation requirements for securing communication in the IoT systems.

As a research team member, the candidate will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of researchers. The candidate will also have opportunities to present their research findings at top-tier conferences and publish in high-impact academic journals.

The ideal candidate should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related subject. The applicant should be familiar with C/C++, python, etc and with the Linux environment.