Bundle Protocol Security Models and Policies for Safeguarding Space Information Networks

Abstract

As space information networks become more heterogeneous by integrating various space platforms, layers and operators, new security challenges arise that need proper investigation. Existing works mainly focus on specific solutions but do not provide security models that can address these challenges holistically. This work analyzes the adoption of the Bundle Protocol Security (BPSec) to safeguard these networks. Our work demonstrates the flexibility of this protocol in such heterogeneous scenario. We propose different security models that can be adopted based on traffic conditions and node’s knowledge, resulting in a security model that can evolve and adapt over time. Overall, our study unveils new opportunities associated with BPSec in Delay Tolerant Networks (DTN) environments, encouraging further investigation in this domain.