Extending the security perimeter through a web of trust: the impact of GPS technology on location-based authentication techniques

Abstract

Security is a function of the trust that is associated with the active variables in a system. Thus, the human factor being the most critical element in security systems, the security perimeter could be defined in relation to the human trust level. Trust level could be measured via positive identification of the person/device on the other side of the interaction medium, using various authentication schemes; location-based being one of the latest. As for the location-based services, the identity of a customer remains hazy as long as his location is unknown; he virtually remains a ghost in the air, with implications on trust. This paper reviews the various location-based authentication techniques with a focus on the role that GPS could play in optimising this authentication approach. It advocates the urgent need to make all transmission devices GPS-compliant as a way forward, despite the privacy issues that might arise.