A Formally Verified Protocol for Secure Vertical Handovers in 4G Heterogeneous Networks
Naïm Qachri, Olivier Markowitch, Jean‐Michel Dricot · International Journal of Security and Its Applications · 2013
In this paper, we propose a formally verified protocol to securely manage vertical handovers heterogeneous networks (HetNets), even when different cryptographic algorithms are used in the infrastructure. The protocol presentation goes with a review of the current propositions of security mechanisms and procedures dedicated to manage vertical handovers. From a critical analysis, the HetNets are positioned in the context of wireless security to describe the possible attacks that afflict this new kind of infrastructure. From this analysis, it is revealed that the different entities involved in the management of handovers are surrounded by new security challenges. This challenges and the positioning of HetNets helps to deliver a new suited protection. Securing vertical handovers means to deal with the different cryptographic algorithms from the security architecture of the different technologies that protect the sessions of communications. © 2013 SERSC.