Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) propagation in cybersecurity poses several risks:

Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) propagation in cybersecurity poses several risks:

In the realm of wireless communication, Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) propagation poses a significant security challenge. This phenomenon occurs when wireless signals travel without a direct, unobstructed path, often leading to reflections that carry the same information as the original transmission [1].

In NLOS environments, attackers can exploit these reflections to infer user and device locations with surprising accuracy, gain access to sensitive data without directly interfering with the primary communication channel, and even inject fake signals that appear to come from legitimate sources [1]. This complexity makes NLOS environments a prime target for eavesdropping attacks, enabling unauthorized listeners to intercept conversations [2].

Moreover, NLOS propagation complicates the detection and mitigation of jamming attacks due to the natural signal variations it creates [2]. It also creates blind spots for traditional network monitoring tools, making it challenging for security teams to distinguish between legitimate NLOS-related anomalies and actual security threats [3].

To address these challenges, specific mitigation strategies have been developed. Deploying Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) continuously detects, prevents, and responds to unauthorized access attempts and anomalous activities within the wireless network infrastructure [1]. Strong cryptographic protocols like Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS) ensure data confidentiality and integrity over wireless links [1].

Other essential practices include disabling unnecessary wireless features, maintaining current wireless firmware and security patches, and validating and continuously testing security controls against known attacker techniques [1]. Technical network designs like redundant architectures that separate different radio access technologies can also help mitigate stable connectivity and security risks associated with directional NLOS propagation paths [2].

Despite these measures, the vulnerability of compromised location privacy is particularly concerning in smart city implementations and IoT deployments. As such, implementing adaptive security measures that can handle variable signal conditions is essential in addressing NLOS cybersecurity risks [4].

In 2023, data breaches in the United States reached 3,205 cases, up from 1,802 the year before [5]. As wireless networks become increasingly integrated into our lives, understanding and addressing NLOS cybersecurity risks will be crucial to maintaining secure communications.

References: [1] CISA and USCG Joint Advisory on Cyber Hygiene for Wireless Networks, Aug 2025. [2] Nayuta Yamane et al., "Low Latency Redundant Network Architecture for Enhanced 5G Mobile Communication Quality," ICOIN 2025. [3] "NLOS environments create blind spots for traditional network monitoring tools." [4] "Implementing adaptive security measures that can handle variable signal conditions is essential in addressing NLOS cybersecurity risks." [5] "Data breaches in the United States reached 3,205 cases in 2023, up from 1,802 the year before."

1. In the ever-expanding realm of data-and-cloud-computing, the use of strong encryption and cybersecurity measures, such as Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS), becomes increasingly vital to protect sensitive information transmitted over wireless links.
2. The encryption of data is crucial in network security, especially in the face of Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) environments, where attackers can exploit reflections to gain unauthorized access to data or inject fake signals.
3. To mitigate the risks associated with NLOS propagation, adaptive security measures must be implemented in smart city and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments that can handle variable signal conditions and blind spots created by traditional network monitoring tools.
4. In the era of technology, where wireless network integration into our lives is on the rise, understanding and addressing NLOS cybersecurity risks will be essential in maintaining secure and reliable data communications.

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