An integral branch of computer science, getting into encryption and cybersecurity opens up a world of new technology and the security protocol needed to protect it. If you are up to the challenge, why not test your knowledge with an EPQ in encryption and cybersecurity? Check out our list of 100 ideas for research projects in encryption and cybersecurity to take your first steps.

What Makes a Great Research Idea in Encryption and Cybersecurity?

Selecting the right encryption and cybersecurity EPQ idea is the perfect way of demonstrating your understanding, and capability in dealing with complex security issues. So, what should you consider when making a decision?

  • Emerging threats: pick a topic that shows your awareness of the current and potential threats to cybersecurity, making your research relevant.
  • Innovative solutions: ensure your research has a purpose and is adding to the existing knowledge, proposing new methods, or presenting novel ideas.
  • Ethics: discussing the social implications of this line of work, such as mass surveillance, allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking ability.
  • Personal interest: it is more enjoyable to undertake a research project on a topic you are interested in, so choose wisely. 

100 Research Ideas for Encryption and Cybersecurity

Research Projects about the Foundations of Encryption and Cryptography

  1. The evolution of encryption algorithms from historical to modern times
  2. Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
  3. Exploring the effectiveness of AES in modern systems
  4. How RSA encryption works and its limitations
  5. The development of post-quantum cryptography
  6. How encryption affects internet privacy and data protection laws
  7. The impact of encryption on national security
  8. The ethics of government backdoors in encryption systems
  9. The application of encryption in email communications
  10. A study of encryption in VPN technologies
  11. How HTTPS encryption secures internet browsing
  12. Encrypted databases: ensuring confidentiality in data storage
  13. Exploring encryption techniques used in password management
  14. Zero-knowledge proofs and their applications in encryption
  15. The impact of end-to-end encryption on law enforcement investigations
  16. How secure are modern encryption systems?
  17. The challenges of key management in encrypted systems
  18. The limitations of encryption against insider threats
  19. Steganography: hiding information in plain sight

Research Project Ideas about Advanced Applications and Emerging Encryption Technologies

  1. How quantum computing threatens current encryption standards
  2. How blockchain utilises cryptographic algorithms for security
  3. The role of elliptic curve cryptography in mobile communications
  4. Discussing homomorphic encryption
  5. Exploring quantum key distribution
  6. How encryption is used in securing digital currencies
  7. Encryption in smart contracts and decentralised finance
  8. Encryption methods in protecting online gaming platforms
  9. Exploring the future of encryption in securing digital identities
  10. Encryption in autonomous vehicles
  11. How secure is encryption on mobile payment platforms?
  12. The impact of encryption on file-sharing services
  13. Exploring encryption in messaging apps for journalists
  14. Encrypted messaging for political activists
  15. Blockchain and encryption: how cryptography ensures security
  16. The role of encryption in military communications
  17. The role of encryption in securing biometric data
  18. The balance between user privacy and encryption in social media
  19. Encryption and digital rights management
  20. Encryption in smart cities and IoT devices

Research Projects about Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Threat Landscape

  1. The importance of cybersecurity in the digital age
  2. The use of digital certificates in web security
  3. Latest trend analysis in cybersecurity threats
  4. Phishing attacks and their impact on businesses
  5. The role of ethical hacking in cybersecurity
  6. The effectiveness of firewalls in modern networks
  7. How AI is being used in cybersecurity defence
  8. How secure are smart cities from cybersecurity threats?
  9. The role of cybersecurity in protecting personal data
  10. Cybersecurity challenges in securing 5G networks
  11. The role of cybersecurity in preventing identity theft
  12. The rise of ransomware and how organisations defend against it
  13. Cybercrime and its impact on financial institutions
  14. Zero-day vulnerabilities and how they are exploited by hackers
  15. How social engineering tactics compromise cybersecurity
  16. The ethics of surveillance in the workplace
  17. The future of quantum cryptography in enhancing cybersecurity
  18. The role of hacktivism in cybersecurity
  19. The rise of mobile malware
  20. Cybersecurity challenges in remote working
  21. The rise of deepfake technology
  22. The impact of cybersecurity breaches on public trust
  23. How the Internet of Things is creating new cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Students in an encryption and cybersecurity class
  1. The impact of cybersecurity breaches on the healthcare sector
  2. Cybersecurity in critical infrastructure
  3. Cybersecurity in autonomous vehicles
  4. The effectiveness of cybersecurity training programs
  5. The role of cybersecurity in national elections
  6. The impact of GDPR on EU cybersecurity practices
  7. Cybersecurity in protecting intellectual property
  8. Cybersecurity in online voting systems
  9. Cybersecurity for online education platforms
  10. Cybersecurity in supply chains
  11. Cybersecurity in the gaming industry
  12. Digital forensics and cybersecurity
  13. Cybersecurity for mobile payment systems
  14. Cybersecurity for e-commerce platforms
  15. Exploring global cybersecurity laws and regulations
  16. Cybersecurity for cloud computing and storage
  17. Cybersecurity for smart home devices
  18. Cybersecurity in wearable technology
  19. Cybersecurity for online streaming services
  20. Cybersecurity in defence and military applications
  21. The role of cybersecurity in digital forensics
  22. The challenges of cybersecurity in the workplace
  23. Cybersecurity for autonomous drones
  24. The future of biometrics in cybersecurity
  25. Cybersecurity in protecting political communications
  26. The role of cybersecurity in financial systems
  27. Cybersecurity for digital voting systems
  28. How AI shapes the future of cybersecurity

Research Projects about Ethics, Law, and Policy in Cybersecurity and Encryption

  1. The ethics of government backdoors in encryption systems
  2. Ethical concerns surrounding encryption in dark web activities
  3. The role of cybersecurity in national security policies
  4. Cybersecurity frameworks and their comparative effectiveness
  5. Surveillance in the workplace: ethical implications
  6. The impact of cyber laws and regulations on global standards
  7. How encryption affects internet privacy and data protection laws
  8. The role of cybersecurity in election integrity
  9. The influence of encryption on freedom of speech
  10. Hacktivism: motivations and ethical considerations

Computer Science

In-person

Advance your computing skills in Cambridge, a global...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Arduino on a table.
Ages: 13-15

Software Development and AI

In-person

Innovate with technology in Singapore, a ‘Smart Nation’...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Ages: 16-18

Secure Your Future With an Encryption and Cybersecurity Research Project 

Taking on an EPQ encryption and cybersecurity research project will demonstrate to educational institutions and employers your skills, knowledge, and interests in the area. We hope this list of 100 ideas for research projects in encryption and cybersecurity will provide the spark of inspiration you need to get started!

Furthermore, you’ll explore and identify your future role in safeguarding networks, systems, and data through your chosen career path. An Immerse Education encryption and cybersecurity research project is a great starting point, so read our Encryption and Cybersecurity Online Research Programme Page and enrol today.

Join the Immerse Education 2024 
Essay Competition

The Immerse Essay Competition is open for 2024! Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.

Join competition