A survey of security issues in wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Advances in wireless communication and electronics have enabled the development of low-cost, lowpower, multifunctional sensor nodes. These tiny sensor nodes, consisting of sensing, data processing, and communication components, make it possible to deploy Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), which represent a significant improvement over traditional wired sensor networks. WSNs can greatly simplify system design and operation, as the environment being monitored does not require the communication or energy infrastructure associated with wired networks [1]. WSNs are expected to be solutions to many applications, such as detecting and tracking the passage of troops and tanks on a battlefield, monitoring environmental pollutants, measuring traffic flows on roads, and tracking the location of personnel in a building. Many sensor networks have mission-critical tasks and thus require that security be considered [2, 3]. Improper use of information or using forged information may cause unwanted information leakage and provide inaccurate results. While some aspects of WSNs are similar to traditional wireless ad hoc networks, important distinctions exist which greatly affect how security is achieved. The differences