A novel node level security policy framework for wireless sensor networks

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 an approach to protecting wireless sensor networks based on a security policy, enforced at the node level. This policy is based on a new approach to key establishment, which combines a group-based distribution model and identity-based cryptography. Using this solution enables 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 and security policy, we show how to reduce or prevent significant attacks on wireless sensor networks. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.