Researcher / Lecturer Internet of Things (IoT)

What exactly will you do?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming more and more ubiquitous in our lives – at the workplace, in our homes, and in public places. Many of these devices have been developed with security as an afterthought, based on hardware that is already outdated when it is released, or both. As many of these IoT devices are, in fact, computing systems running firmware and software similar to that also running in computers, tablets, and cell phones, they are increasingly interesting for attackers as points-of-entry into networks and other computing infrastructure. Many IoT devices also contain sensors that capture data and information that should not fall into the hands of unauthorized parties, such as private audio and video data, and movement and other behavioral patterns. Data captured or generated by IoT devices is in many cases sent to and processed by cloud service providers, often without the complete knowledge of the end users.

The focus of the research work will be in one or more of the following areas:

• Investigation into current practices of IoT devices with regards to security, including, but not limited to: protection mechanisms of the firmware/software, and the update process; user and administrator authentication; data storage and processing; communication protocols;
• Use of trusted computing in the IoT space: designing and prototyping of potential improvements in the areas of secure boot, use of trusted execution environments, and remote attestation, taking into account the limitations of IoT, in terms of available hardware, software, etc.;
• Surveying and evaluating the current state-of-the-art of usability of security features for IoT devices, and development of secure, usable interfaces;
• Research and development of identity and access management solutions for IoT devices.

Besides your role as a researcher you have the opportunity to work as a lecturer for the educational program Network & System Engineering (a differentiation within the Bachelor program HBO-ICT). You know how to motivate people and teach our students technical skills within computer sciences. You are also willing to have a role in the further development of education in this field. Moreover, you are able to guide students in working on projects, internships and graduation. The Bachelor program is taught in Dutch.
The research group is part of the Center of Expertise Cyber Security. It collaborates with other research groups within the Center of Expertise. The bachelor program HBO-ICT is part of the Faculty of IT & Design and is thought at three THUAS Campuses located in The Hague, Delft, and Zoetermeer.