Adaptive Cyber-Defense for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Modular Simulation Model with Dynamic Performance Management

In light of escalating cyber threats, this study tackles the cybersecurity challenges in UAV systems, underscoring the limitations of static defense mechanisms. Traditional security approaches fall short against the sophisticated and evolving nature of cyber-attacks, particularly for UAVs that depend on real-time autonomy. Addressing this deficiency, we introduce an adaptive modular security system tailored for UAVs, enhancing resilience through real-time defensive adaptability. This system integrates scalable, modular components and employs machine learning techniques—specifically, neural networks and anomaly detection algorithm to improve threat prediction and response. Our approach marks a significant leap in UAV cybersecurity, departing from static defenses to a dynamic, context-aware strategy. By employing this system, UAV stakeholders gain the flexibility needed to counteract multifaceted cyber risks in diverse operational scenarios. The paper delves into the system's design and operational efficacy, juxtaposing it with conventional strategies. Experimental evaluations, using varied UAV scenarios, measure defense success rates, computational efficiency, and resource utilization. Findings reveal that our system surpasses traditional models in defense success and computational speed, albeit with a slight increase in resource usage a consideration for deployment in resource-constrained contexts. In closing, this research underscores the imperative for dynamic, adaptable cybersecurity solutions in UAV operations, presenting an innovative and proactive defense framework. It not only illustrates the immediate benefits of such adaptive systems but also paves the way for ongoing enhancements in UAV cyber defense mechanisms

Introduction to the Special Issue on Sustainable Solutions for the Intelligent Transportation Systems

The intelligent transportation systems improve the transportation system’s operational efficiency and enhance its safety and reliability by high-tech means such as information technology, control technology, and computer technology. In recent years, sustainable development has become an important topic in intelligent transportation’s development, including new infrastructure and energy distribution, new energy vehicles and new transportation systems, and the development of low-carbon and intelligent transportation equipment. New energy vehicles’ development is a significant part of green transportation, and its automation performance improvement is vital for smart transportation. The development of intelligent transportation and green, low-carbon, and intelligent transportation equipment needs to be promoted, a significant feature of transportation development in the future. For intelligent infrastructure and energy distribution facilities, the electricity for popular electric vehicles and renewable energy, such as nuclear power and hydrogen power, should be considered

Blockchain-Based Security Architecture for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in B5G/6G Services and Beyond: A Comprehensive Approach

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), previously favored by enthusiasts, have evolved into indispensable tools for effectively managing disasters and responding to emergencies. For example, one of their most critical applications is to provide seamless wireless communication services in remote rural areas. Thus, it is substantial to identify and consider the different security challenges in the research and development associated with advanced UAV-based B5G/6G architectures. Following this requirement, the present study thoroughly examines the security considerations about UAVs in relation to the architectural framework of the 5G/6G system, the technologies that facilitate its operation, and the concerns surrounding privacy. It exhibits security integration at all the protocol stack layers and analyzes the existing mechanisms to secure UAV-based B5G/6G communications and its energy and power optimization factors. Last, this article also summarizes modern technological trends for establishing security and protecting UAV-based systems, along with the open challenges and strategies for future research work.Comment: 25 pages, 6 figures, 3 table

Failure Analysis in Next-Generation Critical Cellular Communication Infrastructures

The advent of communication technologies marks a transformative phase in critical infrastructure construction, where the meticulous analysis of failures becomes paramount in achieving the fundamental objectives of continuity, security, and availability. This survey enriches the discourse on failures, failure analysis, and countermeasures in the context of the next-generation critical communication infrastructures. Through an exhaustive examination of existing literature, we discern and categorize prominent research orientations with focuses on, namely resource depletion, security vulnerabilities, and system availability concerns. We also analyze constructive countermeasures tailored to address identified failure scenarios and their prevention. Furthermore, the survey emphasizes the imperative for standardization in addressing failures related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the ambit of the sixth-generation (6G) networks, accounting for the forward-looking perspective for the envisioned intelligence of 6G network architecture. By identifying new challenges and delineating future research directions, this survey can help guide stakeholders toward unexplored territories, fostering innovation and resilience in critical communication infrastructure development and failure prevention

Expanding Australia\u27s defence capabilities for technological asymmetric advantage in information, cyber and space in the context of accelerating regional military modernisation: A systemic design approach

Introduction. The aim of the project was to conduct a systemic design study to evaluate Australia\u27sopportunities and barriers for achieving a technological advantage in light of regional military technological advancement. It focussed on the three domains of (1) cybersecurity technology, (2) information technology, and (3) space technology. Research process. Employing a systemic design approach, the study first leveraged scientometric analysis, utilising informetric mapping software (VOSviewer) to evaluate emerging trends and their implications on defence capabilities. This approach facilitated a broader understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of defence technologies, identifying key areas for further exploration. The subsequent survey study, engaging 828 professionals across STEM, space, aerospace, defence/ law enforcement, and ICT, aimed to assess the impact, deployment likelihood, and developmental timelines of the identified technologies. Finally, five experts were interviewed to help elaborate on the findings in the survey and translate them into implications for the ADF. Findings. Key findings revealed significant overlaps in technology clusters, highlighting ten specific technologies or trends as potential force multipliers for the ADF. Among these, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure and optimisation and other algorithmic technologies were recognised for their immediate potential and urgency, suggesting a prioritisation for development investment. The analysis presented a clear imperative for urgent and prioritised technological investments, specifically in cybersecurity and information technologies, followed by space technologies. The research also suggested partnerships that Australia should develop to keep ahead in terms of regional military modernisation. Implications. To maintain a competitive edge, there is an urgent need for investment in the development and application of these technologies, as nearly all disruptive technologies identified for their potential impact, deployment/utilization likelihood, extensive use, and novelty for defence purposes are needed in the near-term (less than 5 years – cybersecurity and information technologies) or medium-term (less than 10 years – space technologies). In line with this, technology investments should be prioritized as follows: Priority 1 includes Cyber Security of critical infrastructure and optimization algorithms; Priority 2 encompasses Unmanned and autonomous systems and weapons, Deep/Machine Learning, and Space-based command and communications systems; and Priority 3 involves Industry 4.0 technologies, Quantum technology, Electromagnetic and navigation warfare systems, Hypersonic weapons, and Directed energy weapons. At the policy level, underfunding, bureaucratic inertia and outdated procurement models needed to be addressed to enhance agility of innovation. More critically, Australia needed to come up with creative ways to recruit, train and retain human capital to develop, manage and use these sophisticated technologies. Finally, in order to maintain a lead over competitors (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea) in the regional military technology competition, the survey and interviews indicate that Australia should continue its military technology alliances with long-standing partners (US, Europe, Israel), broaden its collaborations with more recent partners (Japan, Singapore, South Korea), and establish partnerships with new ones (India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Pacific Island nations). Conclusion. This study sheds light on the future direction for the ADF and Defence in general, underscoring the importance of strategic investments in up-and-coming technologies. By pinpointing strategic voids, potential partnerships, and sovereign technologies with high potential, this report acts as a roadmap for bolstering Australia’s defence capabilities and safeguarding its strategic interests amidst regional technological changes

Towards Cyber Security for Low-Carbon Transportation: Overview, Challenges and Future Directions

In recent years, low-carbon transportation has become an indispensable part as sustainable development strategies of various countries, and plays a very important responsibility in promoting low-carbon cities. However, the security of low-carbon transportation has been threatened from various ways. For example, denial of service attacks pose a great threat to the electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid networks. To minimize these threats, several methods have been proposed to defense against them. Yet, these methods are only for certain types of scenarios or attacks. Therefore, this review addresses security aspect from holistic view, provides the overview, challenges and future directions of cyber security technologies in low-carbon transportation. Firstly, based on the concept and importance of low-carbon transportation, this review positions the low-carbon transportation services. Then, with the perspective of network architecture and communication mode, this review classifies its typical attack risks. The corresponding defense technologies and relevant security suggestions are further reviewed from perspective of data security, network management security and network application security. Finally, in view of the long term development of low-carbon transportation, future research directions have been concerned.Comment: 34 pages, 6 figures, accepted by journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review

Mobile Edge Computing

This is an open access book. It offers comprehensive, self-contained knowledge on Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), which is a very promising technology for achieving intelligence in the next-generation wireless communications and computing networks. The book starts with the basic concepts, key techniques and network architectures of MEC. Then, we present the wide applications of MEC, including edge caching, 6G networks, Internet of Vehicles, and UAVs. In the last part, we present new opportunities when MEC meets blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and distributed machine learning (e.g., federated learning). We also identify the emerging applications of MEC in pandemic, industrial Internet of Things and disaster management. The book allows an easy cross-reference owing to the broad coverage on both the principle and applications of MEC. The book is written for people interested in communications and computer networks at all levels. The primary audience includes senior undergraduates, postgraduates, educators, scientists, researchers, developers, engineers, innovators and research strategists