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StegoBackoff: Creating a Covert Channel in Smart Grids Using the Backoff Procedure of IEEE 802.11 Networks

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  • Geovani Teca

    (Institute of Telecommunications, AGH University of Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Marek Natkaniec

    (Institute of Telecommunications, AGH University of Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

A smart grid constitutes an electrical infrastructure that integrates communication technologies to optimize electricity production, distribution, and consumption. Within the smart grid, IEEE 802.11 networks play a crucial role in facilitating communication between smart meters and data collectors, operating within a shared transmission medium. However, a notable challenge arises due to the lack of certainty regarding the genuine identity of data recipients. In response, we present a solution—a novel covert channel leveraging the IEEE 802.11 backoff procedure—to transmit data that requires special protection. Implemented using the ns-3 simulator, our covert channel achieved a throughput of 140,000 bps when single covert station realized transmission in the wireless channel, and 880 bps in a populated environment characterized by high traffic volumes. This performance metric shows that our mechanism is better than other covert channels, where the performance in saturated conditions usually does not exceed several hundred bps. This covert channel represents a new approach to fortifying data integrity and privacy within smart grid communication.

Suggested Citation

  • Geovani Teca & Marek Natkaniec, 2024. "StegoBackoff: Creating a Covert Channel in Smart Grids Using the Backoff Procedure of IEEE 802.11 Networks," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:3:p:716-:d:1332033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mikołaj Gwiazdowicz & Marek Natkaniec, 2023. "Feature Selection and Model Evaluation for Threat Detection in Smart Grids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-25, June.
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