Techniques for data authentication in wireless communications systems

An apparatus for wireless communications at a first wireless device, comprising:

• a processor;
• memory in electronic communication with the processor;
• and
• instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:
• communicate one or more messages associated with an authentication scheme for communications with a second wireless device, the authentication scheme comprising one of a symmetric authentication scheme or an asymmetric authentication scheme, the authentication scheme based at least in part on a capability of the first wireless device, a second capability of the second wireless device, or both;
• receive a signal via a set of resources associated with the authentication scheme;
• and
• perform an authentication procedure on the signal to determine an authenticity of the signal based at least in part on at least one key associated with the authentication scheme and a set of bits generated based at least in part on the authentication scheme, wherein the authenticity indicates whether the signal is from the second wireless device or another wireless device.

An apparatus for wireless communications at a second wireless device, comprising:

• a processor;
• memory in electronic communication with the processor;
• and
• instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:
• communicate one or more messages associated with an authentication scheme for communications with a first wireless device, the authentication scheme comprising one of a symmetric authentication scheme or an asymmetric authentication scheme based at least in part on a capability of the first wireless device, a second capability of the second wireless device, or both;
• and
• transmit a signal via a set of resources associated with the authentication scheme, the signal comprising a set of authentication bits generated based at least in part on the authentication scheme and at least one key associated with the authentication scheme.