Guest Editorial: Multidisciplinary Solutions to Modern Cybersecurity Challenges
Modern network and computing scenarios are characterized by a complex continuum spread across a variety of technological and administrative domains. For instance, cloud infrastructures are used to offload personal devices, IEEE 802.11 and 4G/5G connectivity allow ubiquitous mobility, and low-power communications and edge/fog computing enable to integrate cyber-physical systems in the daily routine. Moreover, software platforms are not characterized anymore by clear and precise technological and functional boundaries. In fact, modern smart services often span over multiple actors, e.g., product vendors, telcos, proprietary Software-as-a-Service deployments, as well as several nations (possibly with incompatible laws). As a consequence, the Internet is a mixed collection of IoT devices, traditional hosts, wearable and mobile devices as well as individuals. Needles to say, its increasing human-centric nature accounts for a huge load of sensitive data, which can be considered one of the most valuable resource of our times. This mutation leads to an attack surface that is magnified by such a heterogeneity. To mention some potential issues, new reconnaissance techniques are discovered on a daily basis, and attacks/weaponization of threats targeting both the cyber and physical security of users can now take advantage of several exploitable features, such as those characterizing modern mobile smartphones.