Protecting the End User Device in 4G Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract

In recent years, there have been major developments in, and deployment of, diverse mobile technology. Security issues in mobile computing are now presenting significant challenges. Heterogeneous networks are the convergence of wired and wireless networks, other diverse end user devices and other communication technologies which provide very high speed connections. Major security challenges in 4G heterogeneous networks are inherent in current internet security threats and IP security vulnerabilities. In this paper, we propose a management system which is responsible for enforcing security policies and ensuring that security policies continued to be followed. The objective of this security management system is to prevent the mobile equipment from being abused or used as a malicious attack tool. The proposed security management system is consistent with the security specifications defined by ITU-T recommendation M.3400 TMN management functions. Finally, this paper will present a policy-based architecture for the security management system of 4G heterogeneous networks focusing on detection and prevention of malicious attacks.