LVS: A WiFi-Based System to Tackle Location Spoofing in Location-Based Services

The reliability of location-based services (LBS) is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the location of the users. However, existing LBS systems are not able to efficiently validate the position of users in large-scale outdoor environments, leading to possible location spoofing attacks by malicious users. To this end, we present an efficient and scalable Location Validation System (LVS) that secures LBS systems from location spoofing attacks. In particular, the user location is verified with the help of mobile WiFi hotspots (MHSs), who are users activating the WiFi hotspot capability of their smartphones and accept connections from nearby users, thereby validating their position inside the sensing area. The system also comprises a novel verification technique called Chains of Sight, which tackles collusion-based attacks effectively. LVS also includes a reputation-based algorithm that rules out sensing reports of location-spoofing users