Advances in Information Security

This book provides the reader with the most up-to-date knowledge of blockchain in mainstream areas of security, trust, and privacy in the decentralized domain, which is timely and essential (this is due to the fact that the distributed and P2P applications is increasing day-by-day, and the attackers adopt new mechanisms to threaten the security and privacy of the users in those environments). This book also provides the technical information regarding blockchain-oriented software, applications, and tools required for the researcher and developer experts in both computing and software engineering to provide solutions and automated systems against current security, trust and privacy issues in the cyberspace. 

Cybersecurity, trust and privacy (CTP) are pressing needs for governments, businesses, and individuals, receiving the utmost priority for enforcement and improvement in almost any societies around the globe. Rapid advances, on the other hand, are being made in emerging blockchain technology with broadly diverse applications that promise to better meet business and individual needs. Blockchain as a promising infrastructural technology seems to have the potential to be leveraged in different aspects of cybersecurity promoting decentralized cyberinfrastructure. Blockchain characteristics such as decentralization, verifiability and immutability may revolve current cybersecurity mechanisms for ensuring the authenticity, reliability, and integrity of data.

Almost any article on the blockchain points out that the cybersecurity (and its derivatives) could be revitalized if it is supported by blockchain technology. Yet, little is known about factors related to decisions to adopt this technology, and how it can systemically be put into use to remedy current CTP’s issues in the digital world.  Topics of interest for this book include but not limited to:

• Blockchain-based authentication, authorization and accounting mechanisms
• Applications of blockchain technologies in digital forensic and threat hunting
• Blockchain-based threat intelligence and threat analytics techniques
• Formal specification of smart contracts
• Automated tools for outsmarting smart contracts
• Security and privacy aspects of blockchain technologies
• Vulnerabilities of smart contracts
• Blockchain for securing cyber infrastructure and internet of things networks
• Blockchain-based cybersecurity education systems

This book provides information for security and privacy experts in all the areas of  blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, forensics, smart contracts, computer systems, computer networks, software engineering, applied artificial intelligence for computer security experts, big data analysts, and decentralized systems. Researchers, scientists and advanced level students working in computer systems, computer networks, artificial intelligence, big data willfind this book useful as well.

This book, structured as an edited volume, consists of 12 chapters organized into four key themes: Theoretical Foundations, Human Factors, Application Domains, and Future Challenges. It highlights the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of cyber deception research, offering insights into diverse application areas such as industrial control systems and AI security.

Cyber deception has emerged as a critical strategy for defending digital assets across academia, industry, and government. By creating false information, deceptive environments, or misleading signals, it aims to confuse, delay, or misdirect adversaries while simultaneously gathering intelligence on their tactics. This proactive approach shifts the traditional information advantage from attackers to defenders, strengthening cybersecurity resilience.

Designed as a foundational resource, this book is particularly valuable for students and early-career researchers seeking to understand cyber deception and identify pressing research challenges. It emphasizes the need for context-aware and adaptive strategies to counter the ever-evolving tactics of cyber adversaries. Furthermore, this book advocates for leveraging emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to advance deception techniques. By addressing both current and future challenges, this volume provides a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing cyber deception strategies and fostering the development of more robust and resilient cybersecurity defences.