BERMUDA: A BPSec-Compatible Key Management Scheme for DTNs

Research output: Contribution to conferencesPaperContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Fiona Fuchs - , D3TN GmbH, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Felix Walter - , D3TN GmbH (Author)
  • Florian Tschorsch - , Chair of Privacy and Data Security (Author)

Abstract

Delay- and Disruption-tolerant Networks (DTNs) enable communication in challenging environments like space and underwater. Despite the need for secure communication, key management remains an unresolved challenge in DTNs. Both DTN security protocols, BSP and BPSec, explicitly exclude key management from their scope, and research in this area remains limited. Traditional Internet-based key management methods are largely unsuitable due to the unique constraints of DTNs. In this paper, we present BERMUDA, a BPSec-compatible key management framework for unicast messaging. Our approach combines established building blocks, including a hierarchical PKI and ECDH, with an adapted version of NOVOMODO for certificate revocation. To evaluate its applicability, we implement a DTN chat application as an example use case and analyze the system’s scalability. While our findings demonstrate the feasibility of BERMUDA for DTNs, we also show limitations related to scalability and computational load in resource-constrained scenarios. By bridging the gap between conceptual designs and practical deployment, this work advances key management research in DTNs, contributing to secure communication in these demanding networks.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages219-233
Number of pages15
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

Title40th International Conference on ICT Systems Security and Privacy Protection
Abbreviated titleIFIP SEC 2025
Conference number40
Duration21 - 23 May 2025
Website
Locationhotel City
CityMaribor
CountrySlovenia

External IDs

Scopus 105006483689

Keywords