Physical Layer Components Security Risks in Optical Fiber Infrastructures

Abstract

Optical fiber communications are essential for all types of long- and short-distance transmissions. The aim of this paper is to analyze the previously presented security risks and, based on measurements, provide the risk level evaluation. The major risk is the possibility of inserting a splitter into the optical distribution network and capturing a portion of the entire spectrum, i.e., all channels in the optical fiber. Another significant security risk is crosstalk on multiplexers in networks with wavelength division multiplexing. The paper covers the macrobend attenuation evaluation of fiber and back-reflection measurements. Based on the measurements, risks were evaluated for both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint networks and, lastly, the paper covers crosstalk measurements of an optomechanical switch. Finally, all individual risks are evaluated according to the severity, and a proposal for risk minimization is provided.

Classification of Events Violating the Safety of Physical Layers in Fiber-Optic Network Infrastructures

“…In [ 7 ], attacks on the physical layer are mainly considered to occur through tampering with an optical fiber. Therefore, measurement scenarios based on such situations were investigated.…”

“…Several technologies can be used to protect the physical layer consisting of optical fibers/cables. In [ 7 ], it was noted that most common attacks on the physical layer of fibers involve touching the fiber. Thus, vibration detection can be used to ensure the security of the physical layer consisting of optical fibers/cables.…”

“…It has been proven in many research studies that optical networks are vulnerable to eavesdropping attacks [ 7 , 24 , 25 ]. However, various fiber optics sensing systems can detect or even localize the attacker.…”

Characterization of sensitivity of optical fiber cables to acoustic vibrations

“…Nowadays, optical fibers are increasingly often used for both data and non-data transmission. Many research groups focus on protection of fiber based infrastructures against data eavesdropping that can be done by several techniques 1 . Some data transmissions are not encrypted and even if they are, there is a high risk that in near future, these data will be decryptable by quantum computers.…”

Optimization of a polarized light detector for a polarizing optical fiber sensor

“…In this connection, a power splitter split the power of the light signal with 90 % going to the optical power meter and 10 % to the polarimeter. Compared to other types of fiber optic sensors [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19], the sensor described here was developed with particular emphasis on security systems, military facilities, Ex-Proof and biomedical environments.…”