Enhancing UAV‐HetNet security through functional encryption framework

Abstract

SummaryIn the current landscape, the rapid expansion of the internet has brought about a corresponding surge in the number of data consumers. As user volume and diversity have escalated, the shift from conventional, uniform networks to Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets) has emerged. HetNets are designed with a primary objective: enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) standards for users. In the context of HetNets facilitated by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), a substantial influx of users and devices is observed. Within this multifaceted environment, the potential for malicious intruder nodes to efficiently execute and propagate harmful actions across the network is a distinct concern. Consequently, the entirety of network communication becomes susceptible to a multitude of security threats. To address these vulnerabilities and safeguard communication, the Functional Encryption (FE) technique is employed. FE empowers the protection of data against intrusion attacks. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for implementing FE within UAV‐integrated HetNets, executed in two sequential phases. The initial phase secures communication between User Equipment (UE) and Micro Base Station (MBS), followed by the second phase, which focuses on securing communication among MBS and UAV. The viability of the proposed approach is substantiated through validation using the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA) tool. The validation process involves the development of High‐Level Protocol Specification Language (HLPSL) codes. The successful security validation outcome underscores the capacity of the proposed methodology to provide the intended security measures and robustness to the network environment.