Idris Ahmed

It is a privilege undertaking a PhD research degree and it is indeed a double privilege studying for a PhD research degree at Coventry University within the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. This is my honest opinion and please read my testimonial to find out why.

It all started back in 2005 whilst studying for my MSc degree. I was asked to do my MSc project on “Packet Sniffing in Ecommerce Networks.” The project itself was “research” oriented. During the course of my investigations I discovered fascinating material about encryption systems and the security of wireless networks. My fascination became a good source of motivation, which led to a good MSc project, (MSc with merit) and consequently laid the foundation for my PhD research work. 

After my MSc, my thirst for knowledge enticed me to immediately enrol in 2005 as a part-time PhD researcher. Before my enrolment, I had to decide whether to do my research at Coventry University or Warwick University. After weighing all the pros and the cons and due consultations with lecturers at both universities, it became evidently clear that Coventry University was the best choice for me. Proximity to city centre for shopping, ease of access through public transport, excellent computing facilities, and user friendly environment are some of the factors that affected my decision to carry out my research at Coventry University.

The aim of my research work is to conduct cryptanalysis of CCMP (Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chain Message Authentication Protocol) and design a more secure and efficient protocol called the ESKIMO (Encryption System with Key Integrity and Managed Oracle). The excellent conducive research environment at the Faculty not only allowed me to make significant progress in my research work within a short period of time, it also gave me the opportunity to filter some of my research findings into my teaching job, as I am also a part-time lecturer teaching MSc students. 

When my studies are complete, I hope to make a positive contribution to Knowledge in the field of Cryptology. Coventry University, especially my director of studies Dr Anne James and my second supervisor Dr Nick Godwin will take their well deserved credits for their roles in this contribution.