Security Challenges in Cognitive Radio Networks

Abstract

Cognitive radio network (CRN) is an evolving concept aiming at more efficiently exploiting the available spectrum for opportunistic network usage. Deploying Cognitive Radio Networks raises several open issues and security concerns. CRNs suffer from both classical wireless networks vulnerabilities and threats, and new threats related to their inherent functionalities. In this paper, an overview of the cognitive radio networks and their security challenges will be provided. Both, the traditional and new security threats that emerged from these promising networks are addressed. The paper will also focus on the Primary User Emulation (PUE) attack as one of the main specific attacks targeting CRNs and analyze some proposed countermeasure. Furthermore, CRN security requirements are introduced.