Threat analysis for space information network based on network security attributes: a review

Abstract

Space Information Network (SIN) is a multi-purpose heterogeneous network. Due to the large-scale of SIN, its secure and stable operation is vulnerable to various threats. Much of current threat analysis for SIN is based on the network function or architecture. However, this approach cannot clearly divide the relation between threats and secure communication measures for a highly integrated network. Furthermore, it will lead to overlapping in segregation of secure duties. This paper presents a comprehensive review of threats and corresponding solutions in SIN from the perspective of network security attributes. In order to make the analysis applicable to more scenarios, the following three most essential attributes, confidentiality, integrity and availability, are selected as the threatened objectives. At the same time, for cross-reference with the analysis based on network function or architecture, this paper relates network layers to network security attributes through secure communication mechanisms. Specifically, the confidentiality includes confidential information-exchange and Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA), the integrity includes information identification and information restoration, and the availability includes link establishment, routing mechanism, and mobility management. According to above framework, this paper provides a cross-layer perspective for analyzing threat and enhancing the security and stability of SIN. Finally, this paper concludes with a summary of challenges and future work in SIN.