KEMF: Key management for federated sensor networks

Abstract

We present a lightweight key management protocol that provides secured device registration and communication in federated sensor networks. The protocol is designed for zero configuration and use in small packet low power wireless networks; protocol messages may fit into single packets. We use the Casper security protocol analyser to examine the behaviour and security properties of the protocol model. Within the assumptions of the model, we demonstrate forward secrecy, security against man-in-the-middle attacks, and local network key protection, comparing favourably with related protocols. Our experimental analysis shows that the protocol may feasibly be deployed on current sensor platforms with 256-bit elliptic curve cryptography.