A Novel Secure Keying Technique for the Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Abstract-Strong cryptographic schemes are used for securing the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Even if a strong cipher is used for encryption/ decryption of messages in any form of WSN communication, if the key is compromised and it no longer remains secret, the security of the underlying network is compromised. Therefore key management schemes play a very vital role in the maintenance of security of any system. This paper deals with a secure key management scheme for the WSN which does not rely on a single key. Rather this scheme uses a combination of all key types like 'in-network generated keys', 'broadcasted keys' and 'pre-deployed keys' to come up with a robust keying mechanism for the WSN.