Satellite Communication Security against Eavesdropping using Dual-layered (AES-RSA) Encryption

Abstract

This paper analyses satellite communication security and encryption schemes that elevate data confidentiality and security, reducing the probability of various cyber-attacks, including eavesdropping and interception, which is one of the most critical attacks since it occurs without the footprint of an attacker. An intruder could possibly intercept, process, and extract information from a satellite communication link, causing sensitive information leakage. The best way to shield satellite-based communication (SATCOM) is with a powerful encryption scheme that is easy to implement and hard to reverse at the same time (one-way function). This paper delves into different aspects of satellite communication security and illustrates how combining different cryptography schemes affect data confidentiality and security. Eavesdropper commonly intercept the process of key exchange, wiretapping the process to break the encryption afterwards. Key exchange is critical in SATCOM as it initiates secure communication. With Advance Encryption Standard (AES) being commonly used in SATCOM for its efficiency, the key exchange aspect is rather a drawback. This paper analyses the usage of RSA to protect the AES key exchange process. Bringing together a dual-layered encryption scheme enhances SATCOM security and elevates the challenge of malicious eavesdropping activities.