Body sensor network key distribution using human interactive channels

Abstract

Security protection is critical to body sensor networks, since they collect sensitive personal information. Generally speaking, security protection of body sensor network relies on key distribution protocols. Most existing key distribution protocols are designed to run in general wireless sensor networks, and are not suitable for body sensor networks. After carefully examining the characteristics of body sensor networks, we propose an Elliptic Curve Diffie Hellman version of Symmetric Hash commitment before knowledge protocol (ECDH-SHCBK). Thanks to ECDH-SHCBK, dynamically distributing keys becomes possible. As opposite to present solutions, this protocol does not need any pre-deployment of keys or secrets. Therefore, compromised and expired keys can be easily changed. This protocol exploits human users as temporary trusted third parties. We, thus, show that the human interactive channels can help us to design secure body sensor networks.