In this project we explore the vulnerabilities inherent to and countermeasures appropriate for evolving telecommunications networks. We perform a broad study of the availability, integrity and confidentiality of telecommunications networks via formal analysis, gray-box testing, and simulation. We characterize countermeasures addressing attacks on these communication properties. We are working to integrate the solutions created in this work with existing telecommunications and IP networks and communication systems. In so doing, we provide protection for critical pieces of national communications infrastructure while allowing users to receive the full benefits from interconnected voice and data systems.
We are producing: 1) realistic threat and adversary models, 2) a taxonomy of vulnerabilities in current and next generation cellular networks, 3) techniques to identify and characterize vulnerabilities in these systems, 4) domain specific and general detection and mitigation strategies and their inherent tradeoffs and 5) solutions integrated the into current telecommunications infrastructure, public networks and end devices.
The work allows telecommunications networks to continue to provide for critical communication in times of normal and emergency use while enabling increased connectivity to third party data networks such as the Internet. We are leveraging our relationships with industry and regulatory and standards bodies to ensure that the techniques arising from this work are brought to the attention of Internet and telecommunications providers.
