Security Considerations
HALP: Security Considerations
Networks consisting of existing smartphones can be developed to assist with relaying last mile communications, but there are security implications that must be considered as the technology develops, evolves, and is ultimately adopted.
All cellular phones have baseband systems that work to enable communications over cellular frequencies. They include radios, hardware and software that is able to transmit, receive and decode communications. This baseband radio system would need to be modified in order for HALP to work effectively.
Attacks on the radios, computers, and software running on each phone through improperly tested updates or incomplete security testing of new features could result in problems for all devices.
Man in the Middle (MITM) & Interception Attacks
Communication directly sent or relayed between devices must be resistant to being manipulated while the communications are in transit.
Moreover, encryption standards change over time and any potential HALP protocol needs to be maintained and kept up to date.
Malicious Broadcasting and Impersonation Attacks
Proper precautions need to be taken to make sure that no single malicious actor can affect or perpetrate messaging throughout the network.
Denial of Service / Amplification Attacks
Attacks by overwhelming the network with requests must be considered and mitigated through proper design decisions and appropriate rate sending limitations.