Privacy-aware authentication for wi-fi based indoor positioning systems

Abstract

Indoor location-based application and services have drawn businesses attention as they have shown advances in conjunction with a growing importance of ubiquitous computing and context-dependent information. However, current systems have serious problems in terms of privacy since attackers can track users by analyzing information captured from the network such as MAC addresses. In this situation, this work provides a practical solution to the privacy issue in indoor positioning systems. We propose the usage of pseudo-certificates issued by third-party authorities for anonymous auhentica-tion of mobile devices. The proposed scheme provides privacy to users while providing governmental authorities the possibility to analyze the historical position of users when they are required. The proposed anonymous authentication system offers highest level of security while maintain minimal cryptographic overhead.