Leveraging Resources on Anonymous Mobile Edge Nodes

Smart devices have become an essential component in the life of mankind. The quick rise of smartphones, IoTs, and wearable devices enabled applications that were not possible few years ago, e.g., health monitoring and online banking. Meanwhile, smart sensing laid the infrastructure for smart homes and smart cities. The intrusive nature of smart devices granted access to huge amounts of raw data. Researchers seized the moment with complex algorithms and data models to process the data over the cloud and extract as much information as possible. However, the pace and amount of data generation, in addition to, networking protocols transmitting data to cloud servers failed short in touching more than 20% of what was generated on the edge of the network. On the other hand, smart devices carry a large set of resources, e.g., CPU, memory, and camera, that sit idle most of the time. Studies showed that for plenty of the time resources are either idle, e.g., sleeping and eating, or underutilized, e.g. inertial sensors during phone calls. These findings articulate a problem in processing large data sets, while having idle resources in the close proximity. In this dissertation, we propose harvesting underutilized edge resources then use them in processing the huge data generated, and currently wasted, through applications running at the edge of the network. We propose flipping the concept of cloud computing, instead of sending massive amounts of data for processing over the cloud, we distribute lightweight applications to process data on users\u27 smart devices. We envision this approach to enhance the network\u27s bandwidth, grant access to larger datasets, provide low latency responses, and more importantly involve up-to-date user\u27s contextual information in processing. However, such benefits come with a set of challenges: How to locate suitable resources? How to match resources with data providers? How to inform resources what to do? and When? How to orchestrate applications\u27 execution on multiple devices? and How to communicate between devices on the edge? Communication between devices at the edge has different parameters in terms of device mobility, topology, and data rate. Standard protocols, e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, were not designed for edge computing, hence, does not offer a perfect match. Edge computing requires a lightweight protocol that provides quick device discovery, decent data rate, and multicasting to devices in the proximity. Bluetooth features wide acceptance within the IoT community, however, the low data rate and unicast communication limits its use on the edge. Despite being the most suitable communication protocol for edge computing and unlike other protocols, Bluetooth has a closed source code that blocks lower layer in front of all forms of research study, enhancement, and customization. Hence, we offer an open source version of Bluetooth and then customize it for edge computing applications. In this dissertation, we propose Leveraging Resources on Anonymous Mobile Edge Nodes (LAMEN), a three-tier framework where edge devices are clustered by proximities. On having an application to execute, LAMEN clusters discover and allocate resources, share application\u27s executable with resources, and estimate incentives for each participating resource. In a cluster, a single head node, i.e., mediator, is responsible for resource discovery and allocation. Mediators orchestrate cluster resources and present them as a virtually large homogeneous resource. For example, two devices each offering either a camera or a speaker are presented outside the cluster as a single device with both camera and speaker, this can be extended to any combination of resources. Then, mediator handles applications\u27 distribution within a cluster as needed. Also, we provide a communication protocol that is customizable to the edge environment and application\u27s need. Pushing lightweight applications that end devices can execute over their locally generated data have the following benefits: First, avoid sharing user data with cloud server, which is a privacy concern for many of them; Second, introduce mediators as a local cloud controller closer to the edge; Third, hide the user\u27s identity behind mediators; and Finally, enhance bandwidth utilization by keeping raw data at the edge and transmitting processed information. Our evaluation shows an optimized resource lookup and application assignment schemes. In addition to, scalability in handling networks with large number of devices. In order to overcome the communication challenges, we provide an open source communication protocol that we customize for edge computing applications, however, it can be used beyond the scope of LAMEN. Finally, we present three applications to show how LAMEN enables various application domains on the edge of the network. In summary, we propose a framework to orchestrate underutilized resources at the edge of the network towards processing data that are generated in their proximity. Using the approaches explained later in the dissertation, we show how LAMEN enhances the performance of applications and enables a new set of applications that were not feasible

Deteção de intrusões de rede baseada em anomalias

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Eletrónica Industrial e ComputadoresAo longo dos últimos anos, a segurança de hardware e software tornou-se uma grande preocupação. À medida que a complexidade dos sistemas aumenta, as suas vulnerabilidades a sofisticadas técnicas de ataque têm proporcionalmente escalado. Frequentemente o problema reside na heterogenidade de dispositivos conectados ao veículo, tornando difícil a convergência da monitorização de todos os protocolos num único produto de segurança. Por esse motivo, o mercado requer ferramentas mais avançadas para a monitorizar ambientes críticos à vida humana, tais como os nossos automóveis. Considerando que existem várias formas de interagir com os sistemas de entretenimento do automóvel como o Bluetooth, o Wi-fi ou CDs multimédia, a necessidade de auditar as suas interfaces tornou-se uma prioridade, uma vez que elas representam um sério meio de aceeso à rede interna do carro. Atualmente, os mecanismos de segurança de um carro focam-se na monitotização da rede CAN, deixando para trás as tecnologias referidas e não contemplando os sistemas não críticos. Como exemplo disso, o Bluetooth traz desafios diferentes da rede CAN, uma vez que interage diretamente com o utilizador e está exposto a ataques externos. Uma abordagem alternativa para tornar o automóvel num sistema mais robusto é manter sob supervisão as comunicações que com este são estabelecidas. Ao implementar uma detecção de intrusão baseada em anomalias, esta dissertação visa analisar o protocolo Bluetooth no sentido de identificar interações anormais que possam alertar para uma situação fora dos padrões de utilização. Em última análise, este produto de software embebido incorpora uma grande margem de auto-aprendizagem, que é vital para enfrentar quaisquer ameaças desconhecidas e aumentar os níveis de segurança globais. Ao longo deste documento, apresentamos o estudo do problema seguido de uma metodologia alternativa que implementa um algoritmo baseado numa LSTM para prever a sequência de comandos HCI correspondentes a tráfego Bluetooth normal. Os resultados mostram a forma como esta abordagem pode impactar a deteção de intrusões nestes ambientes ao demonstrar uma grande capacidade para identificar padrões anómalos no conjunto de dados considerado.In the last few years, hardware and software security have become a major concern. As the systems’ complexity increases, its vulnerabilities to several sophisticated attack techniques have escalated likewise. Quite often, the problem lies in the heterogeneity of the devices connected to the vehicle, making it difficult to converge the monitoring systems of all existing protocols into one security product. Thereby, the market requires more refined tools to monitor life-risky environments such as personal vehicles. Considering that there are several ways to interact with the car’s infotainment system, such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, or CD player, the need to audit these interfaces has become a priority as they represent a serious channel to reach the internal car network. Nowadays, security in car networks focuses on CAN bus monitoring, leaving behind the aforementioned technologies and not contemplating other non-critical systems. As an example of these concerns, Bluetooth brings different challenges compared to CAN as it interacts directly with the user, being exposed to external attacks. An alternative approach to converting modern vehicles and their set of computers into more robust systems is to keep track of established communications with them. By enforcing anomaly-based intrusion detection this dissertation aims to analyze the Bluetooth protocol to identify abnormal user interactions that may alert for a non conforming pattern. Ultimately, such embedded software product incorporates a self-learning edge, which is vital to face newly developed threats and increasing global security levels. Throughout this document, we present the study case followed by an alternative methodology that implements an LSTM based algorithm to predict a sequence of HCI commands corresponding to normal Bluetooth traffic. The results show how this approach can impact intrusion detection in such environments by expressing a high capability of identifying abnormal patterns in the considered data

Bluetooth Security Protocol Analysis and Improvements

Since its creation, Bluetooth has transformed itself from a cable replacement technology to a wireless technology that connects people and machines. Bluetooth has been widely adapted on mobile phones and PDAs. Many other vendors in other industries are integrating Bluetooth into their products. Although vendors are adapting to the technology, Bluetooth hasn’t been a big hit among users. Security remains a major concern. Poor implementation of the Bluetooth architecture on mobile devices leads to some high profiled Bluetooth hacks. Weak security protocol designs expose the Bluetooth system to some devastating protocol attacks. This paper first explores four Bluetooth protocol-level attacks in order to get deeper insights into the weakness of the Bluetooth security design. It then proposes enhancements to defense against those attacks. Performance comparison will be given based on the implementation of those enhancements on a software based Bluetooth simulator

Packet Analysis of Unmodified Bluetooth Communication Devices

Bluetooth technology has potential for widespread use within the Department of Defense and the Air Force. An office environment using Bluetooth technology can wirelessly connect computers, printers, and other office equipment in order to share information over short distances. The clutter and annoyance of cables connecting equipment can be eliminated. Bluetooth provides a standard interface for connection, as opposed to many different proprietary cables. The research is conducted indoors in a climate controlled environment, with minimal obstructions, to closely follow free-space signal propagation. Four different antenna orientations are used. The factors varied are the distance between devices, and the antenna orientation. This research determined that two of the four cards tested have a specific distance where a change from Data High rate packets and Data Medium rate are used. The change occurs at 2 meters for one and 3 meters for the other. This research also shows that manufacturers transmit identical data in identical formats. Also, this research shows that antenna orientation, and receiver signal strength indicator values have no predictive value in determining packet type used for transmission

Location privacy in wireless personal area networks

Location privacy is one of the major security problems in a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN). By eavesdropping on the transmitted packets, an attacker can keep track of the place and time of the communication between the mobile devices. The hardware address of the device can often be linked to the identity of the user operating the mobile device; this represents a violation of the user's privacy. Fortunately, this problem can be solved quite efficiently in a WPAN. We consider four communication scenarios and present several techniques to solve the location privacy problem in each of these scenarios. As mobile devices in a WPAN are typically operated by a user and energy constrained, we focused on user-friendliness and energy consumption during the design of our solutions. Copyright 2006 ACM.status: publishe

Quality assessment technique for ubiquitous software and middleware

The new paradigm of computing or information systems is ubiquitous computing systems. The technology-oriented issues of ubiquitous computing systems have made researchers pay much attention to the feasibility study of the technologies rather than building quality assurance indices or guidelines. In this context, measuring quality is the key to developing high-quality ubiquitous computing products. For this reason, various quality models have been defined, adopted and enhanced over the years, for example, the need for one recognised standard quality model (ISO/IEC 9126) is the result of a consensus for a software quality model on three levels: characteristics, sub-characteristics, and metrics. However, it is very much unlikely that this scheme will be directly applicable to ubiquitous computing environments which are considerably different to conventional software, trailing a big concern which is being given to reformulate existing methods, and especially to elaborate new assessment techniques for ubiquitous computing environments. This paper selects appropriate quality characteristics for the ubiquitous computing environment, which can be used as the quality target for both ubiquitous computing product evaluation processes ad development processes. Further, each of the quality characteristics has been expanded with evaluation questions and metrics, in some cases with measures. In addition, this quality model has been applied to the industrial setting of the ubiquitous computing environment. These have revealed that while the approach was sound, there are some parts to be more developed in the future

Emerging Technologies for Urban Traffic Management

Nowadays, the number of vehicles on the road and the need of transporting people grow fast. Road transportation has become the backbone of industrialized countries. Nevertheless, the road network system in cities is not sufficient to cope with the current demands due to the size of roads available. Building additional or extending existing roads do not solve the traffic congestion problem due to the high costs and the environmental and geographical limitations. As a consequence, the modern society is facing more traffic jams, higher fuel bills and high levels of CO2 emissions

A Coordination Model and Framework for Developing Distributed Mobile Applications

How to coordinate multiple devices to work together as a single application is one of the most important challenges for building a distributed mobile application. Mobile devices play important roles in daily life and resolving this challenge is vital. Many coordination models have already been developed to support the implementation of parallel applications, and LIME (Linda In a Mobile Environment) is the most popular member. This thesis evaluates and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the LIME, and its predecessor Linda coordination model. This thesis proposes a new coordination model that focuses on overcoming the drawbacks of LIME and Linda. The new coordination model leverages the features of consistent hashing in order to obtain better coordination performance. Additionally, this new coordination model utilizes the idea of replica mechanism to guarantee data integrity. A cross-platform coordination framework, based on the new coordination model, is presented by this thesis in order to facilitate and simplify the development of distributed mobile applications. This framework aims to be robust and high-performance, supporting not only powerful devices such as smartphones but also constrained devices, which includes IoT sensors. The framework utilizes many advanced concepts and technologies such as CoAP protocol, P2P networking, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth Low Energy to achieve the goals of high-performance and fault-tolerance. Six experiments have been done to test the coordination model and framework from di erent aspects including bandwidth, throughput, packages per second, hit rate, and data distribution. Results of the experiments demonstrate that the proposed coordination model and framework meet the requirements of high-performance and fault-tolerance

MPCS: Mobile-based Patient Compliance System for Chronic Illness Care

More than 100 million Americans are currently living with at least one chronic health condition and expenditures on chronic diseases account for more than 75 percent of the $2.3 trillion cost of our healthcare system. To improve chronic illness care, patients must be empowered and engaged in health self-management. However, only half of all patients with chronic illness comply with treatment regimen. The self-regulation model, while seemingly valuable, needs practical tools to help patients adopt this self-centered approach for long-term care. \par In this position paper, we propose Mobile-phone based Patient Compliance System (MPCS) that can reduce the time-consuming and error-prone processes of existing self-regulation practice to facilitate self-reporting, non-compliance detection, and compliance reminders. The novelty of this work is to apply social-behavior theories to engineer the MPCS to positively influence patients\u27 compliance behaviors, including mobile-delivered contextual reminders based on association theory; mobile-triggered questionnaires based on self-perception theory; and mobile-enabled social interactions based on social-construction theory. We discuss the architecture and the research challenges to realize the proposed MPCS

MPCS: Mobile-based Patient Compliance System for Chronic Illness Care

More than 100 million Americans are currently living with at least one chronic health condition and expenditures on chronic diseases account for more than 75 percent of the $2.3 trillion cost of our healthcare system. To improve chronic illness care, patients must be empowered and engaged in health self-management. However, only half of all patients with chronic illness comply with treatment regimen. The self-regulation model, while seemingly valuable, needs practical tools to help patients adopt this self-centered approach for long-term care. \par In this position paper, we propose Mobile-phone based Patient Compliance System (MPCS) that can reduce the time-consuming and error-prone processes of existing self-regulation practice to facilitate self-reporting, non-compliance detection, and compliance reminders. The novelty of this work is to apply social-behavior theories to engineer the MPCS to positively influence patients\u27 compliance behaviors, including mobile-delivered contextual reminders based on association theory; mobile-triggered questionnaires based on self-perception theory; and mobile-enabled social interactions based on social-construction theory. We discuss the architecture and the research challenges to realize the proposed MPCS