Classification of technological privacy techniques for LTE-based public safety networks

Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) organizations emphasize the need for dedicated and broadband Public Safety Networks (PSNs) with the capability of providing a high level of security for critical communications. Considering the preceding fact, Long Term Evolution (LTE) has been chosen as the leading candidate technology for PSNs. However, a study of privacy challenges and requirements in LTE-based PSNs has not yet emerged. This paper aims to highlight those challenges and further discusses possible scenarios in which privacy might be violated in this particular environment. Then, a classification of technological privacy techniques is proposed in order to protect and enhance privacy in LTE-based PSNs. The given classification is a useful means for comparison and assessment of applicable privacy preserving methods. Moreover, our classification highlights further requirements and open problems for which available privacy techniques are not sufficient.