On the Security of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Protocol

TLDR

Automatic dependent surveillance‑broadcast (ADS‑B) is a key protocol for next‑generation air traffic control, yet its lack of security measures threatens the safety of billions of passengers and has become increasingly urgent as mandatory implementation approaches. This survey aims to catalog reported ADS‑B attacks and security problems. It reviews theoretical and practical countermeasures, and extends the analysis to related wireless networks by providing a taxonomy of security approaches.

Abstract

Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is the communications protocol currently being rolled out as part of next-generation air transportation systems. As the heart of modern air traffic control, it will play an essential role in the protection of two billion passengers per year, in addition to being crucial to many other interest groups in aviation. The inherent lack of security measures in the ADS-B protocol has long been a topic in both the aviation circles and in the academic community. Due to recently published proof-of-concept attacks, the topic is becoming ever more pressing, particularly with the deadline for mandatory implementation in most airspaces fast approaching. This survey first summarizes the attacks and problems that have been reported in relation to ADS-B security. Thereafter, it surveys both the theoretical and practical efforts that have been previously conducted concerning these issues, including possible countermeasures. In addition, the survey seeks to go beyond the current state of the art and gives a detailed assessment of security measures that have been developed more generally for related wireless networks such as sensor networks and vehicular ad hoc networks, including a taxonomy of all considered approaches.