Security and Privacy Issues in Wireless Sensor and Body Area Networks

Abstract

Advancements in wireless communication and availability of miniaturized, battery powered micro electronics devices have revolutionized the trend of computation and communication activities to the generation of smart computing where spatially distributed autonomous devices with sensors forming wireless sensor network (WSN) are utilized to measure physical or environmental conditions. WSNs have emerged as one of the most interesting areas of research due to its diverse application areas such as healthcare, utilities, remote monitoring, smart cities, and smart home which not only perform effective monitoring but also improve quality of living. Even the sensor nodes can be strategically placed in, on, or around human body to measure vital physiological parameters as well. Such sensor network which is formed over human body is termed as wireless body area network (WBAN) which could be beneficial for numerous applications such as eldercare, detection of chronic diseases, sports, and military. Hence, both network applications deal with sensitive data which requires utmost security and privacy. Thus, the security and privacy issues and challenges related to WSN and WBAN along with the defense measures in place should be studied in detail which not only is beneficial for effective application but also will motivate the researcher to find their own path for exercising better protection/defense. Accordingly, in this chapter a brief overview of both networks is presented along with their inherent characteristics, and the need for security and privacy in either networks is illustrated as well. Besides, study has been made regarding potential threats to security and privacy in both networks and existing measures to handle these issues. Finally the open research challenges are identified to draw the attention of the researcher to investigate further in this field.