Cyber Security and Privacy in IoT Era

A special issue of Computers (ISSN 2073-431X). This special issue belongs to the section "ICT Infrastructures for Cybersecurity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 6991

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Resilient Systems Group, School of Computing's Secure, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Interests: cyber-physical systems security; side channel-based defenses; application of machine learning to CPS security

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has revolutionized various sectors, from healthcare and smart homes to industrial automation and urban infrastructure. However, this surge in connectivity brings significant challenges in ensuring the security and privacy of the vast amounts of data generated and transmitted by these devices. Our upcoming Special Issue aims to address these critical concerns by exploring innovative solutions, emerging threats, and advancements in securing IoT ecosystems. We seek to gather cutting-edge research and practical insights that will contribute to the development of robust security frameworks and privacy-preserving techniques in the IoT era.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • IoT security protocols and architectures;
  • Privacy-preserving techniques in IoT;
  • Threat detection and mitigation in IoT environments;
  • Secure communication in IoT networks;
  • Case studies and real-world applications.

We encourage researchers and practitioners to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies. Please submit your summaries within 5 days. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact us.

Dr. Mujeeb Ahmed
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • cyber security
  • privacy protection
  • IoT vulnerabilities
  • data security
  • privacy-preserving techniques
  • authentication protocols
  • intrusion detection systems
  • blockchain in IoT
  • secure data transmission
  • access control mechanisms

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1613 KiB  
Article
A Secure Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Design with Unknown Leader Dynamics Under False Data Injection Attacks
by Parisa Ansari Bonab and Arman Sargolzaei
Computers 2025, 14(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14030084 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 562
Abstract
The combination of connectivity and automation allows connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) to operate autonomously using advanced on-board sensors while communicating with each other via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and mobility. One of the most promising features of CAVs is [...] Read more.
The combination of connectivity and automation allows connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) to operate autonomously using advanced on-board sensors while communicating with each other via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and mobility. One of the most promising features of CAVs is cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC). This system extends the capabilities of conventional adaptive cruise control (ACC) by facilitating the exchange of critical parameters among vehicles to enhance safety, traffic flow, and efficiency. However, increased connectivity introduces new vulnerabilities, making CACC susceptible to cyber-attacks, including false data injection (FDI) attacks, which can compromise vehicle safety. To address this challenge, we propose a secure observer-based control design leveraging Lyapunov stability analysis, which is capable of mitigating the adverse impact of FDI attacks and ensuring system safety. This approach uniquely addresses system security without relying on a known lead vehicle model. The developed approach is validated through simulation results, demonstrating its effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Security and Privacy in IoT Era)
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28 pages, 4277 KiB  
Article
Analysing Cyber Attacks and Cyber Security Vulnerabilities in the University Sector
by Harjinder Singh Lallie, Andrew Thompson, Elzbieta Titis and Paul Stephens
Computers 2025, 14(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14020049 - 4 Feb 2025
Viewed by 3731
Abstract
Universities hold and process vast amounts of financial, user, and research data, which makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. In addition to the usual external threat actors, universities face a unique insider threat from students, who—alongside staff—may lack adequate cyber security training despite [...] Read more.
Universities hold and process vast amounts of financial, user, and research data, which makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. In addition to the usual external threat actors, universities face a unique insider threat from students, who—alongside staff—may lack adequate cyber security training despite having access to various sensitive systems. This paper provides a focused assessment of the current cyber security threats facing UK universities, based on a comprehensive review of available information. A chronological timeline of notable cyber attacks against universities is produced, with incidents classified according to the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and incident type. Several issues have been identified. Limited disclosure of attack details is a major concern, as full information is often withheld for security reasons, hindering institutions’ abilities to assess vulnerabilities thoroughly and respond effectively. Additionally, universities increasingly rely on third-party service providers for critical services, meaning that an attack on these external providers can directly impact university operations and data security. While SQL injection attacks, previously a significant issue, appear to have declined in frequency—perhaps reflecting improvements in defences—other threats continue to persist. Universities report lower levels of concern regarding DDoS attacks, potentially due to enhanced resilience and mitigation strategies; however, ransomware and phishing attacks remain prevalent. Insider threats, especially from students with varied IT skills, exacerbate these risks, as insiders may unknowingly or maliciously facilitate cyber attacks, posing ongoing challenges for university IT teams. This study recommends that universities leverage these insights, along with other available data, to refine their cyber security strategies. Developing targeted policies, strengthening training, and implementing international standards will allow universities to enhance their security posture and mitigate the complex and evolving threats they face. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Security and Privacy in IoT Era)
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15 pages, 1916 KiB  
Article
Cybercrime Resilience in the Era of Advanced Technologies: Evidence from the Financial Sector of a Developing Country
by Adeel Ali, Mahmood Shah, Monika Foster and Mansour Naser Alraja
Computers 2025, 14(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14020038 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1205
Abstract
Technological advancements have helped all sectors to evolve. This advancement has widened the cyberspace and attack surface, which has led to a drastic increase in cyberattacks. Cybersecurity solutions have also evolved. The advancement is relatively slower in developing countries. However, the financial sector [...] Read more.
Technological advancements have helped all sectors to evolve. This advancement has widened the cyberspace and attack surface, which has led to a drastic increase in cyberattacks. Cybersecurity solutions have also evolved. The advancement is relatively slower in developing countries. However, the financial sector in developing countries has shown resistance to cyberattacks. This paper investigates the reasons for this resistance. Despite using legacy systems, the banking sector in Pakistan has demonstrated resistance to cyberattacks. The research used a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine cybersecurity experts in the banking sector to illustrate the reasons for this cybersecurity resistance. The research focused on cybersecurity experts in the banking sector, recognizing that this industry is particularly prone to cyberattacks on a global scale. The study utilised a thematic analysis technique to find resistance factors. The analysis suggests that the opportunity cost of cyberattacks and lower attack surface in developing countries like Pakistan are the main reasons for the lower financial losses. The findings of this research will encourage the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for cybersecurity in developing countries’ banking and financial sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Security and Privacy in IoT Era)
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34 pages, 1717 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Dynamic Landscape of Digital Forensics: The Endless Pursuit
by Muhammad Sharjeel Zareen, Baber Aslam, Shahzaib Tahir, Imran Rasheed and Fawad Khan
Computers 2024, 13(12), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13120333 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1473
Abstract
The invention of transistors in the 1940s marked the beginning of a technological revolution that has impacted every aspect of our lives. However, along with the positive advancements, the malicious use of computing technologies has become a serious concern. The international community has [...] Read more.
The invention of transistors in the 1940s marked the beginning of a technological revolution that has impacted every aspect of our lives. However, along with the positive advancements, the malicious use of computing technologies has become a serious concern. The international community has been actively collaborating to develop digital forensics techniques to combat the unlawful use of these technologies. However, the evolution of digital forensics has often lagged behind the rapid developments in computing technologies. In addition to their harmful use, computing devices are increasingly involved in crime scenes and accidents, necessitating digital forensics to reconstruct events. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the development of computing technologies from the 1940s to the present, highlighting the trends in their malicious use and the corresponding advancements in digital forensics. The paper also discusses various institutes, laboratories, organizations, and training setups established at national and international levels for digital forensics purposes. Furthermore, it explores the initial legislations related to computer-related crimes and the standards associated with digital forensics. These reviews and discussions conclude at identifying the shortfalls in digital forensics and proposes an all-inclusive digital forensics process model meeting these shortfalls while complying to international standards and meeting regulatory and legal requirements of digital forensics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyber Security and Privacy in IoT Era)
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