Topic Editors

School of Innovation, Design and Engineering (IDT), Mälardalen University, Box 883, 721 23 Västerås, Sweden
Technology Higher School Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University, Essaouira 40000, Morocco

Cybersecurity Symmetry: Encryption, AI, and Attack Patterns

Abstract submission deadline
31 January 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
31 March 2027
Viewed by
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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cybersecurity currently exists in a dynamic state of symmetry, where both attackers and defenders leverage similar technologies—particularly encryption and artificial intelligence (AI)—in a constant strategic tug-of-war. Encryption remains a foundational tool for securing data, but emerging threats like quantum computing and AI-generated attack patterns challenge its integrity. AI plays a dual role—enhancing defense through automated threat detection and prediction, while also enabling sophisticated attacks such as data poisoning and zero-day exploit discovery. The concept of symmetry is further explored in mirrored tactics used by ethical hackers and malicious actors, raising ethical questions about autonomous defensive systems. Although there is a theoretical balance, in practice, cybersecurity often remains asymmetric, with attackers holding the advantage of surprise and agility. Future solutions may rely on privacy-preserving technologies like homomorphic encryption and more resilient AI models to restore equilibrium in the digital battlefield.

Prof. Dr. Mobyen Uddin Ahmed
Dr. Azidine Guezzaz
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • encryption
  • attack patterns
  • defensive AI
  • data poisoning
  • zero-day exploits
  • neural cryptography
  • threat detection
  • adversarial machine learning
  • cyber threat intelligence
  • cyber offense–defense symmetry
  • machine learning security
  • AI-driven attacks

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
AI
ai
5.0 6.9 2020 20.7 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Future Internet
futureinternet
3.6 8.3 2009 17 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Micromachines
micromachines
3.0 6.0 2010 17.2 Days CHF 2100 Submit
Symmetry
symmetry
2.2 5.3 2009 17.1 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Cryptography
cryptography
2.1 5.0 2017 23.1 Days CHF 1800 Submit

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