UK-Japan initiative tackles malware threats in 5G & 6G networks

A ground-breaking UK-Japan research initiative, aimed at tackling the rising issue of malware threats in 5G, 6G and other sophisticated telecommunications, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the mobile internet of things (MIoT), has been recently announced. Victor Chang, professor of business analytics at Aston Business School, has been bestowed an £80,000 grant from the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) to spearhead this essential and innovative project, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tokyo.

The impending global increase in sophisticated technologies, movable smart devices, and telecom networks necessitates this urgent focus on privacy and security. Areas such as MIoT, which permit the automatic collection and sharing of information via an internet connection from advanced sensors and connected devices, makes it increasingly vital to detect and counter malware threats. In such a scenario, the inflow of mobile technology infuses another dimension, granting access to shared data from anywhere across the globe.

The alliance between Aston University and the University of Tokyo, facilitated by the ISPF grant, is intended to combat this challenge head-on. With individual teams working cohesively on the creation of unprecedented AI algorithms for malware detection, the research project will explore the integration and examination of these solutions in the context of 5G, 6G and MIoT environments.

The 20-month programme aims to host a diverse range of activities such as joint research efforts, knowledge exchanges, workshops, and innovative development ventures. According to Professor Chang, this initiative aptly encapsulates the global vision of their Aston 2030 strategy.

Professor Chang commented: "Our project exemplifies the university's commitment to global collaboration to create a positive impact. As smart devices and advanced telecom networks increasingly connect our world, securing the integrity of these systems becomes highly critical. Our collaboration with our esteemed Japanese colleagues enables us to develop cutting-edge, AI-powered solutions to recognise and combat new malware threats, making the internet usage safer for everyone in the future."

The University of Tokyo's associate professor at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Dr Manabu Tsukada, emphasises the importance of their research findings reaching beyond the academic community to practical implementation. Dr Tsukada highlighted: "Through high-impact publications, conference talks, and industry engagement initiatives, we aim to ensure our research's benefits extend past academia. Working with Aston University, particularly in 6G-related research and the impact of new AI models, is thrilling. We are committed to utilising cutting-edge research in AI, cybersecurity and advanced telecommunications networks to push knowledge boundaries and effect positive change."

Both institutions are looking forward to the exploration and escalation of world-class, avant-garde solutions against malware threats, using this partnership as an opportunity to achieve their shared vision of a secure, interconnected global landscape.