Lightweight Trusted Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network in e-Health

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Network is a network consisting of tiny and limited power sensor nodes communicate wirelessly and being deployed at any random places. The unique feature of Wireless Sensor Networks that enable continuous data collection and monitoring has accelerate the development of sensor network related applications ranging from non-sensitive to highly sensitive data applications such as in e-Health application. However, due to its ability to work without human intervention, the sensor nodes are susceptible to clone nodes types of attacks. These will then lead to worst consequence which is a false message. Therefore, secure communication is no more enough in e-health environment. This paper presents a rigorous research work in the development of a lightweight trusted authentication protocol for wireless embedded devices in the e-Health environment. The term trust in this research work is based on Trusted Computing Group definition and therefore the development is started from the sensor node itself. Based on that, an IBE_TRUST e-health authentication protocol is presented and analyzed. Conceding the energy constraint of the e-health environment, analysis on the power and energy consumption is conducted to ensure its practicality. This proposed authentication protocol will protect the e-health communication system from node cloning attack and replay attack. By integrating the trusted authentication protocol in mobile health monitoring system, it suggests a great assistance in patient-doctor interaction and protects the security of the ehealth data network.