João Marco

Abstract

Abstract
Monitoring current communication networks and services is an increasingly complex task as a result of a growth in the number and variety of components involved. Moreover, different perspectives on network monitoring and optimisation policies must be considered to meet context-dependent monitoring requirements. To face these demanding expectations, this article proposes a semantic-based approach to support the flexible configuration of context-aware network monitoring, where traffic sampling is used to improve efficiency. Thus, a semantic layer is proposed to provide with a standard and interoperable description of the elements, requirements and relevant features in the monitoring domain. On top of this description, semantic rules are applied to make decisions regarding monitoring and auditing policies in a proactive and context-aware manner. Use cases focusing on traffic accounting and traffic classification as monitoring tasks are also provided, demonstrating the expressiveness of the ontology and the contribution of smart SWRL rules for recommending optimised configuration profiles. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.

Abstract
Current network management systems urge for a context-aware perspective of the provided network services and the underlying infrastructure usage. This need results from the heterogeneity of services and technologies in place, and from the massive traffic volumes traversing today’s networks. To reduce complexity and improve interoperability, monitoring systems need to be flexible, context-aware, and able to self-configure measurement points (MPs) according to network monitoring tasks requirements. In addition, the use of sampling techniques in MPs to reduce the amount of traffic collected, analysed and stored has become mandatory and, currently, distinct sampling schemes are available for use in operational environments. In this context, the main objective of this paper is the ontological definition of measurement requirements and components in sampling-based monitoring environments, with the aim of supporting an expert recommendation system able to understand context and identify the appropriate configuration rules to apply to a selection of MPs. In this way, the ontology, defining management needs, network measurement topology and sampling techniques, is described and explored considering several network management activities. A use case focusing on traffic accounting as monitoring task is also provided, demonstrating the expressiveness of the ontology and the role of the recommendation system in assisting context-aware network monitoring based on traffic sampling. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019.

Abstract
Providing public services through the internet is an effective approach towards an encompassing number of citizens being covered by them and for cost reduction. However, the fast development of this area has fostered discussion and legislation regarding information security and trustworthiness. In addition to security mechanisms for data processed and stored internally, service providers must ensure that data exchanged between their servers and citizens are not intercepted or modified when traversing heterogeneous and uncontrolled networks. Moreover, such institutions should provide means enabling the citizen to verify the authenticity of the services offered. In this way, the present work provides a comprehensive overview regarding the security posture of Portuguese public institutions in their online services. It consists of non-invasive robustness evaluation of the deployed solutions for end-to-end data encryption and the correct use of digital certificates. As a result, we provide some recommendations aiming to enhance the current panorama in the majority of the 111 online services considered in this study. © 2019 Association for Computing Machinery.

Abstract
In this work we investigate which aspects of data protection regulation must be carefully observed when implementing Blockchain-based projects in smart cities. This technology provides interesting properties and allows governments to develop flexible and innovative data management systems. Nevertheless, realizing the benefits of using Blockchains requires understanding the government processes along with the legal framework and political setting imposed on government. Though it is a buzzword, Blockchain may not always be the best solution for data processing, and carrying out a Data Protection Impact Assessment could allow an analysis of the necessity and proportionality of the mechanism. Furthermore, principles relating to security of data remain applicable to Blockchains. We discuss points of interaction between Blockchain technology and the European Union data protection framework, and provide recommendations on how to better develop Blockchain-based projects in smart cities. The findings of the study should provide public sector actors with a guideline to assess the real necessity and better format of a Blockchain-based application. © 2019 Copyright is held by the owner/author(s). Publication rights licensed to ACM.