On the integrity and authentication protection of real time data in broadcast networks

This paper discusses the optimization of security messaging in pay TV protocols applied over broadcast networks, in particular in the context of emerging mobile TV applications. In the latter environments, scarce bandwidth and limited handheld capability are particularly constraining in designing an efficient yet robust Conditional Access System. A number of related industry standards are reviewed to highlight the possible impact of sub-optimal security messaging design. By means of a simple threat analysis, it is shown that the overhead brought by the authentication of the real-time content itself can be saved without sacrificing the overall application security.