Communication and data trust for wireless sensor networks using D-S theory

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are usually deployed in insecure remote and open environments. Nodes could be attacked and compromised. The attacker can use compromised sensor nodes to disrupt communications or inject misleading sensor values. Misleading data can corrupt the entire decision making process, which depends upon WSN data. We propose a trust mechanism, which evaluates communication trust and data trust for WSNs. Communication trust is computed from direct and indirect observations of the neighbour's forwarding behavior. Direct trust is derived from the consistency of forwarding behavior. Indirect trust is derived from the neighbour's observations translated into recommendations. We use weighted Dempster-Shaffer (D-S) theory to compute indirect trust. Data trust is computed by using median of sensor data. We present arguments and simulation results to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm against packet forwarding/modification attacks, bad mouthing attacks, collusion attacks, and on-off attacks. Our proposed trust model helps data in WSNs to be more secure.