AU
CyberDOME: Adaptive Moving Target Defence for Securing Critical Service in 6G Networks
✓ Funded (Competition)
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Computer Science
🎓 Cyber Security
🎓 Engineering
🎓 Networking
6G Networks
AI Security
Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity
DDoS
Distributed Systems
Man-in-the-Middle
Moving Target Defence
Network Security
Spoofing
Funded PhD at Aston University developing adaptive Moving Target Defence techniques to secure critical services in emerging 6G networks against advanced cyber threats.
Project Description
This PhD at Aston University focuses on developing advanced cybersecurity solutions for next-generation 6G network infrastructures. The project is based within the Research Centre for Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust.
The research addresses the growing complexity of cyber-attacks in the AI era, where threats are increasingly sophisticated and large-scale. The project introduces Moving Target Defence (MTD)—a proactive security paradigm that continuously changes system configurations to make it harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
Key research challenges include:
Managing dynamic system configurations at scale
Identifying components suitable for adaptation without disrupting services
Maintaining system communication during continuous changes
Evaluating effectiveness of MTD strategies
Integrating MTD with existing security tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS)
Handling computational and resource overhead
Research objectives:
Analyse state-of-the-art MTD and 6G threat landscape
Develop novel tracking mechanisms across network infrastructure
Design and implement adaptive MTD-based mitigation techniques
Validate solutions using real-world cyber threat scenarios
The project aims to deliver a first-of-its-kind adaptive defence system capable of protecting critical services in 6G environments from attacks such as DDoS, spoofing, and man-in-the-middle threats.
Entry Requirements
First-class or 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
Or Bachelor’s + Master’s (Merit or above)
Strong coding skills
Basic knowledge of IP networking
Or Bachelor’s + Master’s (Merit or above)
Strong coding skills
Basic knowledge of IP networking
How to Apply
Apply via Aston University postgraduate research application system
Required documents:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Research statement
Personal statement
CV
Two academic references
English language proof (if applicable)
Passport copy
Interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams
Required documents:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Research statement
Personal statement
CV
Two academic references
English language proof (if applicable)
Passport copy
Interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DS
Dr Sourav Saha, Prof Jose Alcaraz Calero
Aston University, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (Research Centre for Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust)
More PhDs with Dr Sourav Saha, Prof Jose Alcaraz Calero
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