Privacy and Security in IPv6

TL;DR

IPv6's large address space enhances connectivity but raises privacy and security concerns, prompting a need to balance end-to-end reachability with user privacy protection.

Contribution

This paper discusses the privacy and security challenges introduced by IPv6's design and its implications for user privacy and network security.

Findings

IPv6 enables permanent, globally routable IP addresses.

Privacy concerns arise due to persistent address assignment.

Security features like IPsec are included but privacy considerations are evolving.

Abstract

Many Internet service providers (ISPs) throughout the world are now in the process of integrating IPv6 into their Internet access products for retail customers and corporate clients. One of the most important features of the IPv6 protocol is its huge address space. This will enable users to assign a life-long stable, unique and globally routable IP address to each personal device. All users will be able to set up public services at home and be able to communicate from and to their devices from any point in the network. The resulting end-to-end reachability is considered a major improvement over the current situation.IPv6 evoked a new debate between privacy and security in order to attract more unique IP addresses to locate users, especially with the advent of mobile devices. While the initial IPv6 specification from 1995 does already contain a variety of security considerations (namely, message integrity protection as well as encryption based on IPsec), privacy aspects have not played a major role in the beginning.