Deployment-aware modeling of node compromise spread in wireless sensor networks using epidemic theory

Abstract

Motivated by recently surfacing viruses that can spread over the air interfaces, in this article, we investigate the potentially disastrous threat of node compromise spreading in wireless sensor networks. We assume such a compromise originating from a single infected node, can propagate to other sensor nodes via communication and pre-established mutual trust. We focus on the possible epidemic breakout of such propagations where the whole network may fall victim to the attack. Using epidemic theory, we model and analyze this spreading process and identify key factors determining potential outbreaks. In particular, we perform our study on random graphs precisely constructed according to the parameters of the network, such as distance, key sharing constrained communication and node recovery, thereby reflecting the true characteristics therein. Moreover, a comparative study of the epidemic propagation is performed based on the effects of two types of sensor deployment strategies, viz., uniform random and group-based deployment. The analytical results provide deep insights in designing potential defense strategies against this threat. Furthermore, through extensive simulations, we validate the model and perform investigations on the system dynamics. Our analysis and simulation results indicate that the uniform random deployment is more vulnerable to an epidemic outbreak than the group based deployment strategy.

The SEIQR–V Model: On a More Accurate Analytical Characterization of Malicious Threat Defense

“…To curb the potential spread of virus that causes node compromise, De, Liu, and Das [10] investigated the use of random graphs structured in accordance to real world network parameters. This is to generate insights that allow network managers to curb network epidemics.…”

“…Their proposed model parameterized the communication patterns of Trickle, Deluge and MNP. Assuming that broadcast protocol propagation originates from a single node and in a ripple-like manner spreads to other nodes with the passage of time, De, Liu, and Das [12] modeled two node deployment patterns, namely: uniform random and group-based deployment.…”

An Exhaustive Survey on Physical Node Capture Attack in WSN

“…De et al proposed in [6] proposed the spreading process of node compromise in large-scale sensor networks. To study the results and effects of node capture attack, the author expressed the spread process to compromise the node by using epidemic theory.…”

Secrecy Transfer

“…In [14], authors investigated the potentially disastrous threat of node compromise spreading (via communication and preestablished mutual trust) in wireless sensor networks and proposed an epidemiological model to investigate the probability of a breakout. This model can be adapted to analyze the spread of malicious behavior of compromised nodes in the process of secrecy transfer.…”