An Information Theoretic Location Verification System for Wireless Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel information-theoretic framework for Location Verification Systems in wireless networks, optimizing detection thresholds based on mutual information to effectively combat location spoofing.

Contribution

It presents the first rigorous information-theoretic approach to LVS, including analytical optimization of detection thresholds and validation through detailed simulations.

Findings

Optimal threshold setting improves spoofing detection accuracy.

Simulation results closely match analytical predictions.

Framework enhances security for location-based wireless applications.

Abstract

As location-based applications become ubiquitous in emerging wireless networks, Location Verification Systems (LVS) are of growing importance. In this paper we propose, for the first time, a rigorous information-theoretic framework for an LVS. The theoretical framework we develop illustrates how the threshold used in the detection of a spoofed location can be optimized in terms of the mutual information between the input and output data of the LVS. In order to verify the legitimacy of our analytical framework we have carried out detailed numerical simulations. Our simulations mimic the practical scenario where a system deployed using our framework must make a binary Yes/No "malicious decision" to each snapshot of the signal strength values obtained by base stations. The comparison between simulation and analysis shows excellent agreement. Our optimized LVS framework provides a defence against location spoofing attacks in emerging wireless networks such as those envisioned for Intelligent Transport Systems, where verification of location information is of paramount importance.