Physical Layer Authentication With Channel Knowledge Maps in Indoor Environments
Authenticating moving devices indoors by mapping wireless signal patterns
A new security method can verify that a device belongs to a legitimate user even as it moves around inside buildings, by comparing real-time wireless signal measurements against pre-recorded maps of how signals behave in different locations. The approach uses multiple access points to measure signal strength and direction, then checks whether these match what would be expected at the device's current position — making it much harder for attackers to spoof their identity while moving through indoor spaces where signals bounce off walls and obstacles.
Indoor location-based authentication could strengthen security for smartphones, laptops, and building access systems without requiring users to actively re-authenticate as they move between rooms. This is especially valuable in offices, hospitals, and secure facilities where devices frequently move between locations but need continuous verification that they haven't been compromised or stolen.