Mitigating Security Challenges in Edge Computing: Attacks, Defence Strategies, and Algorithms

Edge computing has emerged as a crucial paradigm to fulfill the increasing demand for rapid data processing, low latency, and efficient resource utilization, particularly in applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and automated industrial systems. By processing data closer to its source, edge computing minimizes reliance on centralized cloud infrastructures, thereby improving response times and optimizing bandwidth. However, this transition also presents significant security challenges, including heightened risks of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized physical access to edge nodes. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of these security vulnerabilities, presenting a framework that integrates advanced defence mechanisms and algorithms tailored to enhance data protection and resource management in edge environments. Our findings indicate that the proposed strategies effectively mitigate identified threats while maintaining system performance. Furthermore, we outline ongoing challenges related to scalability, interoperability, and data governance, providing insights into future research avenues aimed at fortifying edge computing systems against evolving security threats. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the critical role edge computing plays in the domain of next-generation computing technologies.