Key establishment using group information for wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks are commonly used for critical security tasks such as intrusion or tamper detection, and therefore must be protected. To date, security of these networks relies mostly on key establishment and routing protocols. We present a new approach to key establishment, which combines a group-based distribution model and identity-based cryptography. Using this solution enables sensor nodes to authenticate each other, and provides them with a structure to build secure communications between one another, and between various groups. Using our key establishment protocol, we show how to reduce or prevent significant attacks on wireless sensor networks. © 2009 Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.