Privacy and Anonymity in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Privacy and Anonymity in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Christer Andersson (Combitech, Sweden), Leonardo A. Martucci (Karlstad University, Sweden) and Simone Fischer-Hübner (Karlstad University, Sweden)
Copyright: © 2008 |Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-899-4.ch027

Abstract

Providing privacy is often considered a keystone factor for the ultimate take up and success of mobile ad hoc networking. Privacy can best be protected by enabling anonymous communication and, therefore, this chapter surveys existing anonymous communication mechanisms for mobile ad hoc networks. On the basis of the survey, we conclude that many open research challenges remain regarding anonymity provisioning in mobile ad hoc networks. Finally, we also discuss the notorious Sybil attack in the context of anonymous communication and mobile ad hoc networks.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Receiver Anonymity: Implies that a message cannot be linked to the receiver.

Anonymity Metrics: Metrics for quantifying the degree of anonymity in a scenario.

Privacy: The right to informational self-determination, that is, individuals must be able to determine for themselves when, how, to what extent, and for what purpose personal information about them is communicated to others.

Anonymity: The state of being not identifiable within a set of subjects.

Sender Anonymity: Means that a message cannot be linked to the sender.

Unlinkability: If two items are unlinkable, they are no more or less related after an attacker’s observation than they are related concerning the attacker’s a-priori knowledge.

Mobile Ad Hoc Network: Networks constituted of mobile devise which may function without the help of central infrastructure or services.

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