A key management architecture for GNSS open service Navigation Message Authentication

Abstract

Navigation Message Authentication (NMA) is a necessary security provision in GNSS open service, considering that more and more infrastructures rely on civilian GNSS signals, and several cryptographic mechanisms have been proposed to implement it. Most solutions adapt existing protocols to the specific requirement and constraints of the GNSS scenario, which is inherently one-way and asymmetric, and hence make use of asymmetric cryptography. However, no similar proposal has yet been made for the provision of key management services (distribution, upgrade, revocation), which are crucial for the security of any cryptographic mechanism.