PhD Studentship: Optimizing Security and Privacy in Autonomous Systems Through Intelligent Trust Management

Primary supervisor - Dr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh

This project will focus on developing a robust trust management scheme that enhances the security and privacy of autonomous systems, including self-driving vehicles, drones, and smart home devices. You will explore ways of integrating advanced cryptographic techniques, machine learning algorithms, and/or blockchain technology to establish a secure and trustworthy environment for autonomous operations. 

The scientific objectives of the project are:

• To design a novel intelligent trust management solution that would reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, enhance privacy, and increase user confidence in autonomous systems by demonstrating their reliability and security threat resilience.
• To conduct theoretical performance and security resiliency analysis of the proposed solution.
• To implement a prototype for evaluating the efficacy of the proposed solution.

Applicants should have a good mathematical background, excellent programming skills in Python/MATLAB, and an interest in cybersecurity and machine learning.

Start date: 1 October 2025

Mode of study: Full-time

Entry requirements: The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Computer Science or related disciplines.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information 

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 years).  

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