arXiv subjects

Vasilis Ieropoulos

Publications and source records attributed to Vasilis Ieropoulos.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A Modular Cyber Range Platform for Smart Energy Systems

Modern critical infrastructure requires realistic training tools that bridge the gap between digital vulnerabilities and physical consequences. This paper introduces a lightweight, modular Cyber Range (CR) designed to simulate Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments with high fidelity. Using the FastAPI framework as backend and Quick Emulator (QEMU)/Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) virtualisation, the platform employs a YAML-based engine to automatically deploy complex networks on standard hardware with minimal overhead. To demonstrate its capabilities, we present a Photovoltaic (PV) Plant scenario set in a fictional smart city. The scenario follows a multi-stage attack that begins with the compromise of a home Internet of Things (IoT) device and escalates into a major power outage at a military base. The proposed CR, natively supports industrial protocols such as Modbus/TCP and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and includes a "Green Team" framework for evaluating human performance during crisis situations. This paper describes the system architecture, automated setup, protocol-simulation capabilities, and scenario design.

cs.CR↗

arXiv2026

Empowering IoT Security: On-Device Intrusion Detection in Resource Constrained Devices

IoT devices particularly microcontrollers are challenged by their inherent limitations in processing capabilities, memory capacity, and energy conservation. Securing communication within IoT networks is further complicated by the heterogeneity of devices and the myriad of potential security threats. Our study introduces a lightweight model that utilises machine learning algorithms to achieve a notable detection accuracy of 99% using a decision tree method and 96% using a neural network in identifying cyber threats, including Denial of Service and Man-in-the-Middle attacks which make up the majority of the attacks these devices face. While the decision tree method offers higher accuracy, it requires more computational resources, whereas the neural network approach, despite a slightly lower accuracy, is more memory-efficient. Both methods enhance the real-time monitoring and defence of IoT networks, safeguarding the transmission of data. Additionally, our approach is tailored to conserve memory and optimise computational demands, rendering it suitable for deployment on microcontrollers with limited resources.

cs.CR↗

arXiv2026

ACTING: A Platform for Cyber Ranges Federation

Cyber Defence (CD) training requires interoperable cyber-range environments capable of supporting complex, multidomain exercises across distributed infrastructures. This paper presents three main contributions addressing this challenge. First, we introduce the Exercise Description Language - First Generation (EDL-FG), a structured language for formally describing cyber-range training services and exercises. EDL-FG captures both the technical infrastructure required to emulate ICT/OT environments and the scenario logic governing cyber events, injects, and participant interactions, enabling interoperable and automated scenario deployment across federated Cyber Ranges (CRs). Second, the ACTING platform introduces automated PE and scoring mechanisms that assess trainee actions during exercises through coordinated data collection and analysis across participating CRs. Third, the platform enables multi-domain cyber training scenarios that combine civilian and military operational contexts. Building upon federation capabilities established under the H2020 ECHO project, ACTING demonstrates how interoperable scenario description and automated evaluation support scalable and realistic CD training.

cs.CR↗

arXiv2024

Using Harmonics for Low-Cost Jamming

The digitalisation of the modern schooling system has led to multiple schools and organisations buying similar hardware. Electronic equipment like wireless microphones, projectors, touchscreen displays etc., have been almost standardised with a few well-known brands leading the market. This has led to the adoption of common frequency ranges between brands with many sticking between 600-670 MHz. The popularity of low-cost computing devices like the Raspberry Pi which has been used in a plethora of applications has also taken the path of being used as low-cost transmitters. There have been many implementations where the Raspberry Pi has been used as the target device but few cases where the PI is the actual threat. In this paper, we explore the use of the Raspberry Pi as a stealth radio frequency jamming device to disable wireless conference microphones. Harmonics were used to achieve frequencies outside the Pi's transmission frequency by taking advantage of its unfiltered transmission.

cs.CR↗