The detection and isolation of compromised nodes in wireless sensor networks is a difficult task. However, failure to identify and isolate compromised nodes results in significant security breaches which lowers the integrity of gathered data. Using a reputation-based trust framework for wireless sensor networks we introduce a location-aware, trust-based protocol that detects and isolates compromised nodes. We employ a secure cluster formation algorithm to facilitate the establishment of trusted clusters via pre-distributed keys. Reputation and trust is built over time through the monitoring of neighboring nodes. Our scheme provides a mechanism for developing reputation and trust so that a device can determine whether other devices have been compromised, and take corrective action, through negative information sharing and independent trust-based decision making. We also present a simple location verification algorithm that utilizes the received signal strength information in the proc...
Garth V. Crosby, Lance Hester, Niki Pissinou