Using audio in secure device pairing. (24th February 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goodrich, Michael T.; Sirivianos, Michael; Solis, John; Soriente, Claudio; Tsudik, Gene; Uzun, Ersin
• Is Part Of: International journal of security and networks. Volume 4:Number 1/2(2009)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2009-02-24
• Subjects: human-assisted authentication -- MITM -- man-in-the-middle attacks -- secure device pairing -- audio channel -- personal devices -- secure pairing -- security; Computer networks -- Security measures -- Periodicals; 005.805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-8405

Abstract

Secure pairing of electronic devices is an important issue that must be addressed in many contexts. In the absence of prior security context, the need to involve the user in the pairing process is a prominent challenge. In this paper, we investigate the use of the audio channel for human-assisted device pairing. First we assume a common (insecure) wireless channel between devices. We then obviate the assumption of a pre-existing common channel with a single-channel device pairing approach only based on audio. Both approaches are applicable to a wide range of devices and place light burden on the user.