UROP Project

Cyber Security for Industrial 5G/6G Networks

The digital transformation of industrial production and critical infrastructures requires an increasing change from conventional to flexible, adaptive, and networked systems. In this context, the 5G communication standard offers the opportunity to advance the networking of components and plays a key role in the digitalization of industrial systems. However, the introduction of 5G as a novel transmission technology in the industrial environment as well as upcoming features on the way to 6G also mean novel risks for cybersecurity. To address these risks, we are working on approaches for efficient end-to-end security in resource-constrained industrial environments as well intrusion detection leveraging unique characteristics of industrial communication. The exact topic, methods, and outcome of your project within this broader research area will be defined closer to the start of your project, depending on our research progress and/or your interests and skills.

Task

Your project will describe a small, independent block of research that you are responsible for, and which you will be able to undertake independently with the help of your mentor. Research in our group typically consists of the design, implementation, and evaluation of technical systems. Pursuing a research project in our group is a great opportunity for you to actively engage in and contribute to original research in the important area of industrial network security, especially for 5G/6G communication. RWTH Aachen University offers an excellent, interdisciplinary research environment, which stimulates cooperation between research groups inside and outside the department of computer science.

Requirements

Besides a general interest in the field of cyber security and mobile networking, you should have programming skills, preferably in Python and/or C/C++, and basic Linux skills. Further knowledge, e.g., on mobile (5G/6G) communication, industrial control systems, the (Industrial) Internet of Things, or secure communication (e.g., TLS) is a plus but not mandatory. You should be curios, able to work independently, and willing to bring in and discuss your own ideas and solutions. We will provide you with a fully-equipped workplace and all other necessary technical infrastructure. You will interact closely with your mentor as well as other researchers on a daily basis. In the past, research projects pursued with us in the context of UROP International led to publications at renowned international conferences and we strive to also publish the results of your project.