Bluetooth Usage Control Policy Enforcement Model

Abstract

Bluetooth is short range wireless communication mechanism that provides detail specifications for connecting devices. It is used for data transfer over wireless channel however, the functionality is not just limited to this. It provides advanced features that has no alternative in current time that includes low cost, low power, faster data rates and sharing services like Internet, personal area networking etc. Provided with high-end features, Bluetooth requires adequate security implementations for secure and reliable communication. Current security implementations for authentication and encryption are claimed strong enough against security threats. Authorization currently supported by Bluetooth is however, based on simple allowing or denying a resource. Authorization should facilitate user with fine grained control features over resources. This means that authorization mechanism should provide usage control over resources shared using Bluetooth. We propose Bluetooth Usage Control Model (BUCM) that enhances existing security model in usage control features. Using extended model, user can perform fine grain customization of resources. Proposed model is implemented within Android Bluetooth stack. Performance results verify the extended model for minimal overhead in performance.