Investigating Spectrum Sensing Security Threats in Cognitive Radio Networks

Abstract

Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN) technology was proposed as a solution to the challenges of overcrowding and underutilization of spectrum bands. CRN is a subset of wireless networks and as such, is susceptible to traditional wireless networks security attacks. In addition, it is also vulnerable to new security attacks such as cooperative sensing related attacks. CRN has an ability to dynamically adapt to the radio environment and thereafter make decisions to access spectrum holes opportunistically.

In this paper, we evaluate spectrum sensing security attacks in CRN. Spectrum sensing is fundamental phase of the cognitive cycle of the CRN however, when compromised; it impacts negatively on the functionality of the cognitive network. Spectrum Sensing Data Falsification (SSDF) attack is one of the security challenges of the CRN and it occurs largely in CRN implementing cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS). CSS is a sensing strategy which increases the detection rate of primary users when secondary users share the sensing data. The SSDF attack degrades the performance of the CRN resulting in the poor utilization of the free spectrum. The study therefore evaluates the Cooperative Neighbouring Cognitive Radio Nodes (COOPON) and the pinokio schemes in a simulated environment. The results show that the COOPON scheme is effective in the mitigation of the effects of malicious users.