Physical Layer Security and Telecommunications

This module examines security aspects of wireless communications at the physical layer—that is, the level that uses electromagnetic wave radiation to transmit information over the air. The electromagnetic spectrum spans from a few hertz to frequencies exceeding those of visible light. However, since most wireless communication occurs within the radio-frequency spectrum, that range will be the primary focus of this module.

As this course does not require prior knowledge of physics, radio technology or telecommunications, the treatment is kept at a general level, and most details from the source CyBOK v1.1 are either omitted or marked as Advanced.

The first topic addressed is confidentiality. Some specialized methods for integrity and access control are excluded. Fortunately, higher layers can usually handle these objectives. Availability is a different matter: although signal jamming, signal destruction, and resistance to interference are critical topics for wireless communication they are not covered here because they require specialized knowledge provided in telecommunications courses at TAU.

Several topics outside the main CIA triad, but important in the wireless domain, are included in this module. The first is physical device identification, which involves extracting unique device characteristics from its analog circuits—a process known as device fingerprinting.

Unintentional radiation, such as electromagnetic emissions from devices like computer screens, is another essential topic in this module, along with side channels and spoofing of analog sensors. Finally, two examples are presented: short-range wireless technology (specifically NFC) and security aspects of mobile networks.

Vastaa kysymykseen.

Question 1

Which of the following topics will be covered in the subsequent sections of this module. (Select all that apply.)

Satellite communication protocols for deep-space missions

Device fingerprinting based on analog circuit characteristics

Spoofing of analog sensors

Denial of service attacks by disturbing the signal

Security aspects of near-field communication

Quantum key distribution for wireless networks

Blockchain-based authentication for IoT devices

Electromagnetic side-channel emissions from computer screens

End-to-end encryption at the application layer

Physical shielding techniques for Ethernet cables

Authentication in mobile networks

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