Next-Generation Data Security Architectures

Dramatic advances in digital wireless technology over the past two decades have led to many exciting developments including the rapid growth of mobile and ubiquitous computing. In the future, through the use of mobile applications and devices embedded in the surrounding environment, users will be offered transparent computing and communication services at all times and in all places. Applications of wireless mobile and ubiquitous computing, such as smart homes and smart automobiles, have already begun to emerge. Security is an important factor that must be taken into consideration if the uptake of this new computing paradigm is to be successful. The capability of digital devices to autonomously interact brings with it significant security and privacy risks for the end user. Therefore, research into data security for next-generation wireless communications applications is essential. This 5-year proposed project involves nearer term and longer term research into the data security requirements associated with emerging applications of mobile and ubiquitous computing: - The realisation of mobile and ubiquitous computing technology will require secure wireless ad hoc networks. An ad hoc network is a collection of wireless mobile nodes forming a temporary network without the aid of any established infrastructure. Security in ad hoc networks is difficult to achieve due to the unique characteristics associated with such networks over traditional wireless networks. Research into the provision of adequate security techniques for homogenous ad hoc networks will be addressed within the proposed research. - The development of resource constrained security architectures that can be integrated into mobile devices is also an essential requirement. Low-cost hardware security designs will be researched since hardware offers real-time security, lower power and is inherently more tamper-proof than software. These advantages are vital if security is to be provided in next-generation wireless applications so that end-users are provided with effective security with little or no overhead cost. - A major problem with hardware security designs implemented on current CMOS-based technology is the fact that the security keys can be uncovered by monitoring the power consumption and applying statistical analysis techniques. Thus, research is required into low-cost and effective countermeasures against such attacks that are suitable for resource constrained applications. - Looking further ahead, CMOS scaling is approaching its limits and the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors 2007 forecasts that by the end of the next decade, the introduction of new technologies will be necessary to augment the capabilities of the CMOS process. The longer term research will focus on quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) nanotechnology, which is being considered as a possible alternative to CMOS. The PI believes that this will be a very attractive technology from which to develop security architectures since it has extremely low power dissipation and therefore, QCA security designs would be immune to power analysis attack.The proposed research into security for homogeneous networks will also be applicable to body sensor network security and security for remote healthcare, both of which are important aspects of the 'Towards next generation healthcare' EPSRC strategic priority. The research into the development of QCA-based security architectures with resistance to DPA attacks falls within the 'Nanosciences through engineering to application' theme. The overall research project also meets the 'Digital Economy' strategic priority. The ability to provided effective low-cost security architectures that fit seamlessly into emerging ICT applications will significantly impact the early adoption and uptake of such applications by end-users who want guaranteed privacy of personal information at no extra cost.