Link Layer Authentication and Link Layer Encryption: Are You Really Secure?

Are you really secure when using your land mobile radio? Most Project 25 (P25) radio systems come with built-in safeguards, but the availability of software key generators and other attack vectors used by threat actors means that new P25 features are needed to maintain P25 communications security. Over the past few years, Link Layer Security (LLS) features such as Link Layer Authentication (LLA) and Link Layer Encryption (LLE) have received increased attention from manufacturers and users looking to improve communications security. This paper explains these features and their impact on secure public safety communications.