Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Steganographic Scheme for IEEE 802.15.4

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel steganographic scheme for IEEE 802.15.4 networks using direct sequence spread spectrum codes, balancing covert channel security, robustness, and high data rates.

Contribution

It introduces a new covert communication method employing spread spectrum codes that maintains network performance while enhancing steganographic data transmission.

Findings

Covert channel data rate comparable to IEEE 802.15.4 raw data rate

Minimal impact on receiver sensitivity, Chip Error Rate, and Bit Error Rate

Effective balance between security and robustness in steganography

Abstract

This work addresses the issues related to network steganography in IEEE 802.15.4 Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN). The proposed communication scheme employs illicit Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum code sequences for the transmission of steganographic data. The presented approach is a compromise between minimising the probability of covert channel disclosure and providing robustness against random errors and a high steganographic data rate. The conducted analyses show that it is possible to create a covert channel with a data rate comparable to the raw data rate of IEEE 802.15.4 without much impact on the perceived receiver sensitivity, the Chip Error Rate and the Bit Error Rate.