Characterizing and Mitigating Wireless Systems Vulnerabilities

Abstract

Wireless systems now form a central, critical, and irreplaceable segment of national communication infrastructure. Technological and financial pressures are moving these systems from the highly specialized systems towards Internet models. While these models ease application development and provide easier integration of critical systems and networks, they introduce heightened dangers for compromise. In this project, we seek to support our ongoing efforts in the characterization of vulnerabilities in wireless systems. Our past work have identified numerous critical failures of civilian cellular systems, and led to changes in the way commercial cellular providers interconnect with Internet services. The requested instrumentation will allow our team to extend these activities to evaluate public and military wireless networks by creating a realistic cellular research network. The requested infrastructure will significantly increase the educational capabilities of Penn State's computer science and engineering department to support wireless and security efforts achieved through coursework and independent research.

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