FEASIBILITY AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF MESSAGING LAYER SECURITY OVER LOW-BAND FREQUENCIES
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Authors
Arndt, Adam R.
Subjects
Messaging Layer Security
low-band UHF
SWaP-C
low-band UHF
SWaP-C
Advisors
Bollmann, Chad A.
Hale, Britta
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
The Department of the Navy emphasizes leveraging emerging technologies and security protocols for quick and secure access to mission critical information vital to combat readiness. However, legacy systems can face challenges adopting or integrating new technologies due to size, weight, power, and cost limitations. This dilemma reduces forces to inefficient, antiquated processes to share information that often lack sufficient data security. This research explores the feasibility of implementing the new Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol over low-band Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio waves to facilitate efficient and secure transfer of sensitive information using conventional communication channels. Baseline tests employing MLS over the 435 MHz frequency band are compared against unencrypted tests on the same low-band frequency, as well as transmissions on 2.4 GHz with built-in encryption and a combined double layer of built-in encryption plus MLS to facilitate feasibility assessment. Results highlight the slower performance of low-band frequency transmissions with MLS compared to high-band frequencies, pre-shared keys, and unencrypted alternatives but reveal potential data availability and security benefits for application in some networks transmitting modest data payloads. A subsequent qualitative analysis demonstrates potential advantageous practical application by U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopter squadrons to enhance combat readiness.
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Includes Supplementary Material
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.