Low-cost security for Internet of Things (IoT) devices

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Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, where computing devices communicate with each other without requiring human intervention, is rapidly becoming the de-facto standard in the computing industry [1]. This technology has engendered a revolution in connectivity of smart embedded devices, also called the Internet-of-Things (IoT), thereby providing significant economic and societal benefits [2]. Examples of IoT devices are home-automation systems, smart grids and biomedical sensors. Unfortunately, the connectivity of IoT devices comes at a cost, namely the (in)security of the devices. Computer systems of all kinds are routinely subject to security attacks, and so are IoT devices. However, these devices have unique constraints that make traditional security techniques challenging to adapt for them. Therefore, this project will explore novel security techniques for IoT devices that provide security at low-costs in an automated and adaptive manner. The proposed project will have three potential benefits for Canada. First, the IoT phenomenon has grown exponentially in the recent past, and is estimated to reach between 26 and 30 billion devices by 2020 according to recent studies. This will have unexpected societal and economic benefits. However, the lack of security in IoT can be a show stopper, unless we systematically engineer security into IoT devices, which is what this project targets. Second, Sierra Wireless (our industry partner) is one of the fastest growing Canadian companies in the IoT area, and employs nearly 200 engineers at its headquarters in Richmond, BC. This project will help them further expand and enhance their product offerings. Finally, the students trained in this project will acquire crucial skills in the IoT security space, which will make them highly sought after by Canadian companies, after they graduate.