Don't Shoot the Messenger: Localization Prevention of Satellite Internet Users
David Koisser, Richard Mitev, Marco Chilese, Ahmad-Reza Sadeghi

TL;DR
This paper introduces AnonSat, a novel scheme that uses local wireless networks among satellite base stations to prevent user localization, enhancing privacy and safety for satellite Internet users in conflict zones.
Contribution
The paper presents AnonSat, a practical, easy-to-deploy system that reroutes satellite communications to prevent triangulation of users, addressing a critical privacy concern.
Findings
Effective in large-scale simulations with real-world data
Prevents user localization by rerouting signals
Compatible with off-the-shelf devices
Abstract
Satellite Internet plays an increasingly important role in geopolitical conflicts. This notion was affirmed in the Ukrainian conflict escalating at the beginning of 2022, with the large-scale deployment of the Starlink satellite Internet service which consequently demonstrated the strategic importance of a free flow of information. Aside from military use, many citizens publish sensitive information on social media platforms to influence the public narrative. However, the use of satellite communication has proven to be dangerous, as the signals can be monitored by other satellites and used to triangulate the source on the ground. Unfortunately, the targeted killings of journalists have shown this threat to be effective. While the increasing deployment of satellite Internet systems gives citizens an unprecedented mouthpiece in conflicts, protecting them against localization is an…
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Taxonomy
TopicsOpportunistic and Delay-Tolerant Networks · Satellite Communication Systems · Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies
