Network Covert Channels in Routing Protocols

What is it about?

In today's world, companies and customers need strong computer networks to stay connected. Think of these networks like roads that help information travel. There are special rules called routing protocols that help this information move around efficiently. One of these protocols is OSPF, which is like a popular type of road for information. Now, imagine someone trying to send secret messages using these roads. This study looked at OSPF to see if it could be used for sending hidden messages. The researchers found some ways to use OSPF for this purpose. They tested their ideas in a make-believe computer network. This network was like a model of a real one but simpler. They were able to show that their idea worked and secret messages could be sent using OSPF. The messages they sent were hidden in parts of the information that OSPF sends regularly. They also checked if these hidden messages could be discovered by special software that watches the network. It turns out that this software could find the hidden messages. In the future, the researchers want to check if other types of these information roads can also be used for hidden messages. They also want to make the hidden message idea work in more complicated networks. So, this study is like exploring a new way to send hidden messages using the information roads that companies use to stay connected.

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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash