Postgraduate research project

Cross-Chain Security in Web3

Funding
Competition funded View fees and funding
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

This PhD project tackles the urgent need for robust security solutions in cross-chain environments in Web3, aiming to safeguard the integrity of interconnected blockchain networks.

Join us to analyse frequent attacks on cross-chain interactions and design advanced security frameworks to support the reliable growth of decentralised technologies.

Blockchain technology is transforming digital interactions by offering decentralised solutions across diverse sectors. However, as organisations in Web3 increasingly adopt interconnected blockchain networks, the security of cross-chain interactions has become a critical concern. Recent data from DefiLama indicate that around 30% of financial loss due to blockchain-related attacks target cross-chain vulnerabilities, amounting to about $2.87 billion and jeopardising user trust. Addressing these security gaps is essential for the continued growth and adoption of these technologies.

This PhD project will investigate the specific threats and challenges faced by cross-chain interactions, such as malicious message relays, insufficient validation, and smart contract vulnerabilities. 

You will work to design and test innovative protocols aimed at reinforcing cross-chain communications, enhancing threat detection, and establishing secure interoperability standards across different platforms.

The research will focus on both theoretical advancements and practical implementations, providing substantial contributions to industry and academic standards. In particular, the experimental evaluation will rely on the LZero Analytics platform to seamlessly simulate realistic multi-blockchain networks.

Working within a collaborative and supportive research environment, you will have opportunities to engage with industry partners and participate in leading international conferences. 

This project offers the potential to make a significant impact on securing cross-chain applications and shaping the future of blockchain technology.