Formalism of security properties for battlefield surveillance system

Abstract

In battlefield, autonomous and complex environment influence the use of Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks (WSANs) because of their sensing and decision making capability. Security is a critical issue in battlefield therefore this work is focused on implementation of four basic properties, i.e., authentication, authorization, confidentiality and integrity. At first, the proposed model is represented using graph theory. Weighted graph is used because of adding weights at the edges to enrich the network topology supporting searching and finding shortest path operations. Based on the graph model, an algorithm is developed for securing communication among the legal participants in the battlefield. The proposed algorithm is then transformed into an equivalent static formal model using Vienna Development Method-Specification Language (VDM-SL). The security properties are described and implemented based on the resultant model. The invariants are used on the data types and pre/post conditions are used on the functions and operations preventing the system to enter into an unwanted situation. Formal methods are used here to overcome the limitations of simulations and testing techniques. The developed formal model is validated, verified and analyzed through various facilities available in the VDM-SL Toolbox.