Thumbnail Image
Publication

Cryptography and Computer Communications Security. Extending the Human Security Perimeter through a Web of Trust

Adeka, Muhammad I.
Publication Date
2015
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Shepherd, Simon J.
Abd-Alhameed, Raed
Keywords
Human factor; Cryptology; Cybersecurity; Communication; Risk; Authentication; Security perimeter; Web of Trust; Secret sharing; Cloud data repository
Rights
Creative Commons License
The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Faculty of Engineering and Informatics
Awarded
2015
Embargo end date
Collections
Theses
Show all metadata
Files
Thumbnail Image
Thesis
Adobe PDF, 4.42 MB
Additional title
Abstract
This work modifies Shamir’s algorithm by sharing a random key that is used to lock up the secret data; as against sharing the data itself. This is significant in cloud computing, especially with homomorphic encryption. Using web design, the resultant scheme practically globalises secret sharing with authentications and inherent secondary applications. The work aims at improving cybersecurity via a joint exploitation of human factors and technology; a human-centred cybersecurity design as opposed to technology-centred. The completed functional scheme is tagged CDRSAS. The literature on secret sharing schemes is reviewed together with the concepts of human factors, trust, cyberspace/cryptology and an analysis on a 3-factor security assessment process. This is followed by the relevance of passwords within the context of human factors. The main research design/implementation and system performance are analysed, together with a proposal for a new antidote against 419 fraudsters. Two twin equations were invented in the investigation process; a pair each for secret sharing and a risk-centred security assessment technique. The building blocks/software used for the CDRSAS include Shamir’s algorithm, MD5, HTML5, PHP, Java, Servlets, JSP, Javascript, MySQL, JQuery, CSS, MATLAB, MS Excel, MS Visio, and Photoshop. The codes are developed in Eclipse IDE, and the Java-based system runs on Tomcat and Apache, using XAMPP Server. Its code units have passed JUnit tests. The system compares favourably with SSSS. Defeating socio-cryptanalysis in cyberspace requires strategies that are centred on human trust, trust-related human attributes, and technology. The PhD research is completed but there is scope for future work.
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10454/11380
Version
Citation
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD
Notes