Protecting domestic power-line communications

– In this paper we describe the protection goals and mechanisms in HomePlug AV, a next-generation power-line communications standard. This is a fascinating case-history in security usability. There are also novel protocol issues; interactions with mechanisms at other layers; and opportunities for both researchers and third-party vendors to build on the mechanisms provided. The central problem – being sure whether a device being enrolled in the network is the device you think, not a similar one nearby – is not well solved by conventional mechanisms such as public-key infrastructures, but appears to require either very old-fashioned or very novel approaches. Categories and Subject Descriptors – K.6.5 [Security and Protection] – Authentication General Terms – Security, Human Factors. Keywords – authentication, power-line communication, security.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: SOUPS
• Authors: Richard E. Newman, Sherman Gavette, Larry Yonge, Ross Anderson
• Keywords: Authentication General Terms, Power-line Communication, Security Usability, SOUPS 2006