Covert Communication Challenges in UAV-Assisted Wireless Systems

Core Concepts

Covert communication technology enhances security and privacy in wireless systems.

Abstract

The paper explores covert communication in untrusted UAV-assisted wireless systems. It addresses the security challenges faced by wireless systems due to their broadcasting nature. The study focuses on joint covert and security communication in a two-hop UAV-assisted system. A transmission scheme is designed to use UAVs for covert communications while ensuring message security. Theoretical models are developed to analyze detection error probability, covert and security rates, and optimize them through power control. Numerical results illustrate the theoretical analysis and performance of covert communication in such systems. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology integrates physical devices, sensors, software, and networks for intelligent interoperability. IoT applications like augmented reality, smart environments, e-healthcare rely on wireless communication with potential security issues. Cryptography and physical layer security are traditional methods used for data protection but do not hide the communication itself. Covert communication aims to conceal user behavior during communication to enhance privacy and prevent eavesdropping. Research on covert communication includes single-hop and two-hop systems with studies on jamming techniques, power control strategies, channel choices, relay selection, and adaptive feedback mechanisms. Technologies like UAVs and reflective surfaces have been introduced to improve covertness in specific environments like military intelligence or security monitoring. The paper presents a theoretical model for optimizing secure covert rates under covert constraints and security requirements using untrustworthy UAV relays. It discusses the impact of hovering height, interference power levels, and covertness requirements on the maximum secure covert rate achievable in such systems.

Stats

O(√n) bits can be reliably transmitted in n-channel use. Physical layer security provides an additional layer of protection enhancing overall system security. Covert communication aims to hide user behavior during transmission for enhanced privacy. Secure transmission rate depends on the difference between channel capacity at Bob and signal capacity stolen by UAV. Maximum secure covert rate decreases with increasing hovering height of UAV but increases with higher transmit power.

Quotes

"Covert communication technology is promising for protecting privacy and preventing eavesdropping." "Physical layer security provides an additional layer of protection that enhances overall system security." "UAVs can act as transmitters, jammers, or relays to facilitate covert communications."

Key Insights Distilled From

Covert Communication for Untrusted UAV-Assisted Wireless Systems

by Chan Gao,Lin... at arxiv.org 03-15-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.09475.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can advancements in IoT technology impact the future of wireless communication?

Advancements in IoT technology have the potential to revolutionize wireless communication by enabling seamless connectivity between various devices, sensors, and networks. The integration of IoT into wireless systems allows for enhanced data interaction, remote control capabilities, and automated operations. This interconnectedness leads to the creation of smart environments, predictive maintenance solutions, high-resolution video streaming services, self-driving cars, e-healthcare applications, and more. As IoT-centric concepts become more prevalent in our daily lives, the demand for efficient and secure wireless communication systems will continue to grow.

What are the limitations of relying solely on cryptography or physical layer security for data protection?

While cryptography and physical layer security are essential tools for safeguarding data during transmission, they come with certain limitations. Cryptographic techniques require significant computational resources for encryption and decryption processes which can introduce delays in communication. Additionally, complex encryption algorithms may not be suitable for resource-constrained devices often found in IoT ecosystems. On the other hand, physical layer security focuses on securing data at the transmission medium level but does not inherently hide the existence of communication itself. Relying solely on cryptography or physical layer security may overlook vulnerabilities related to covert communications where malicious actors attempt to conceal their activities from detection by unauthorized parties. These traditional methods provide protection against unauthorized access but do not address issues related to covert information exchange or stealthy transmissions that evade detection mechanisms.

How can the concept of covert communication be applied outside traditional fields like military or intelligence?

The concept of covert communication extends beyond its traditional applications in military and intelligence settings into various civilian domains where privacy and confidentiality are paramount concerns. In industries such as finance, healthcare, legal services, and research institutions dealing with sensitive information transfer requirements without attracting unwanted attention is crucial. For instance: Financial Sector: Covert channels could be utilized within financial organizations to securely transmit confidential trading strategies or proprietary market insights. Healthcare: Healthcare providers might employ covert techniques when sharing patient records or medical research findings while maintaining patient privacy. Legal Services: Law firms handling sensitive cases could benefit from covert communications to protect client information during litigation proceedings. Research Institutions: Research facilities conducting groundbreaking studies might use covert methods to share preliminary results before public disclosure while preventing leaks. By integrating covert communication strategies into these sectors' workflows effectively ensures data confidentiality without compromising operational efficiency or risking exposure from external threats.