Architecting Security for the Next-Generation Internet of Things

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores secure architectures and design strategies for the next generation of Internet of Things (IoT) systems, in which resource-constrained devices, heterogeneous networks, and pervasive sensing environments demand robust, scalable, and interoperable security solutions. Topics include threat modeling across IoT layers (perception, network, processing, and application), secure-by-design system engineering, lightweight cryptography, trusted hardware and secure boot mechanisms, privacy-preserving data analytics, and privacy-aware certification and attestation mechanisms for edge-to-cloud continua. 

Particular emphasis is placed on defense-in-depth integration, secure communication protocols, and runtime protection against device tampering, supply-chain risks, and cyber–physical attacks. The Special Issue also highlights practical methodologies for evaluating security properties in real-world sensing scenarios, including smart cities, industrial IoT, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. By linking architectural principles with concrete, sensor-focused applications, this collection aligns with the scope of Sensors by advancing reproducible, sensor-centric security solutions, trusted data collection, and verifiable trust for IoT data provenance.

Dr. Sabina Szymoniak
Dr. William Steingartner
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.