A key pre-distribution scheme for heterogeneous sensor networks

Abstract

Key pre-distribution techniques developed recently to establish pairwise keys between nodes with no or limited mobility. Existing schemes make use of only one key pool to establish secure links between stationary and mobile nodes, allowing an attacker to easily gain control of the network by randomly compromising a small fraction of stationary nodes. A method of preventing this type of security breach is the use of separate key pools for mobile and stationary nodes, in which small fractions of stationary nodes are randomly pre-selected to help the mobile nodes establish links with stationary nodes. Analysis shows that with 10% of stationary nodes carry a key from the mobile key pool. To recover any key from the mobile key pool and gain control of the network, an attacker would have to capture 20.8 times more stationary nodes than if a single key pool is used for both mobile and stationary nodes.