A Security Analysis of a P2P Incentive Mechanism for Mobile Devices

Peer-to-peer applications are emerging into mobile devices. However, resource limitations of these devices introduce new challenges for P2P technologies. For instance, there is a need for incentive mechanisms, which address the free riding problem but do not waste devices' battery or communication resources. A centralized and user-identity based incentive mechanism enables mobile users to contribute with any device and receive P2P services with mobile devices. The authors explore security issues related to a centralized incentive mechanism by analyzing and classifying threats and potential security mechanisms.