Symmetric Encryption Key Generation Using Wireless Physical Layer Information Without Sharing Any Information Pertinent To The Key

Overview

In the wireless scenario, the shared nature of the medium allows for an eavesdropper to snoop on these transmissions without the knowledge of the legitimate users and jeopardize any future sensitive data. In order to prevent eavesdropping attacks, Drexel researchers have developed a symmetric key generation algorithm for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based wireless network standards. Symmetric keys are generated by an algorithm that uses the randomness from the wireless PHY layer to extract the keys. When used with reconfigurable antennas, the algorithm yields longer keys. By using the randomness from the wireless PHY layer, the algorithm solves the issue of secure information leakage to the wireless channel during key establishment phase. The algorithm also omits transmitting anything secure during this phase and prevents any intruder from obtaining information related to the key. This approach can automatically secure the communications over open wireless networks (those without authentication or encryption) or closed wireless networks using other methods of authentication

Applications

Generating symmetric keys at the Physical (PHY) layer for use in wireless network security
Automatically securing each link in an unsecured wireless network (e.g. coffee shop) or enhancing already secured (e.g. enterprise level) wireless networks.

Advantages

Enhanced Security: The scheme developed aims to provide symmetric keys for use in wireless network security without sharing any secret data that might allow an eavesdropper to obtain the key.
Ease of Key Management: The algorithm establishes a symmetric key between two wireless nodes without any key authority or user input; therefore, eliminating vulnerabilities due to incorrect / out-of-date settings or users that are not tech-savvy.
Reconfigurable Antennas: It has been shown that the algorithm benefits from the multiple wireless channel realizations a reconfigurable antenna yields.