Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Recent proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has changed the landscape of data usage, storage, and sharing. Industry and personal IoT device users are constantly putting personal data at risk by connecting devices to the internet in an environment that lacks security techniques and protocols. Concerns about data leakages, hacking, and other security threats are a real concern for all Canadians because of the intersecting impacts of technology on our daily lives. There is an urgent need to address data security, privacy and trust (SPT) concerns in today's digital world. Citizens have high expectations that governments and industry have policies and practises in place to protect personal data, but much work is needed across sectors to achieve this goal. From an industry perspective, IoT security is often a trade-off with other constrained device issues. Many secure cryptographic protocols require much more demanding resource use than IoT devices can provide. Highly secure protocols with high computational load to execute do not fit in these types of scenarios. Therefore, the security of these devices is often compromised. The proposed research will have a high impact through the development and dissemination of innovative security techniques and protocols that can be executed on IoT devices. The short-term objectives are to propose three new models to solve SPT problems including blockchain, light cryptography, and machine learning models. The long-term objectives are to fulfill SPT problems by transferring the newly developed technology to Canadian industry through strategic partnerships, and validating results through article publications. The proposed research has a solid blend of theoretical computer science and applications. An influential research group will be created at Brandon University that has direct collaborations with Canada's University of Guelph and Lakehead University. The diverse members of the research team will receive training, experience and opportunity to affect future technological advances in Canada. I have published in strong conferences (e.g. GLOBECOM, ARES, VTC, SECRYPT) and well known top journals (IEEE ACCESS, ASC, SUPE, IEEE TNSE, JAIHC, SNAM). The proposed research will support a continued focus on impactful research by discovering the true limitations to the new and exciting avenues of SPT in IoT. An exceptional research program must include quality, high impact results, and training of high quality personnel. HQP at all educational levels (Undergraduate, Master's, PhD and Post-Doctorate) are integral to the proposed research. They will be supported through strong leadership and individualized training plans. I am committed to recruiting a diverse research team, and creating an inclusive environment where people are respected and appreciated. Historically, 70% of my HQP identified as First Nations, Visible Minority, Female, or Disabled. I am eager to continue this trend for future HQP.