Detecting Primary User Emulation Attacks in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

In this paper, we present an analytical model as well as a practical mechanism to detect denial of service (DoS) attacks on secondary users in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) networks. In particular, we analyze primary user emulation attacks (PUEA) in cognitive radio networks without using any location information and therefore can do away with dedicated sensor networks. We present an analysis using Fenton's approximation and Wald's sequential probability ratio test (WSPRT) to detect PUEA. Simulation results demonstrate that it is possible to keep the probability of success of PUEA low, while still keeping the probability of missing the return of the primary low as well.