A Conceptual Framework for Security and Privacy in Edge Computing

In the previous decade, Internet of Things (IoT) has paved ways for connecting devices, people, infrastructure, and practically any entity that can be connected. Cloud infrastructure has been the irrefutable part of IoT solutions with substantiated claims of resource provisioning, scalable platforms, and minimal infrastructure costs. Cloud computing does not argue well with applications that require reduced latency, positioning capabilities, and support for mobility. In such instances, edge computing can be used to compliment the cloud infrastructure and help in mitigating the various technical bottlenecks that are part of cloud services. In IoT environment, edge computing can help in improving energy efficiency, optimal resource utilization, and contextual data processing and in reducing the network traffic of backbone networks. The characteristics of edge computing may lead to new challenges for ensuring security and privacy. This chapter proposes a conceptual framework which consists of the essential components to ensure security and privacy for edge computing applications.