Lightweight Security Transmission in Wireless Sensor Networks through Information Hiding and Data Flipping

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Cybersecurity

Background:

• Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are vulnerable to data interception due to their open nature and limited resources.
• Ensuring data confidentiality in WSNs requires highly efficient security mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a lightweight security transmission method for confidential data communication in WSNs over insecure links.
• To ensure data confidentiality for the ally fusion center (AFC) while preventing the enemy fusion center (EFC) from accessing sensitive information.

Main Methods:

• A novel method combining information hiding and random data flipping is proposed.
• Sensors code local measurements into binary strings, then flip parts of the string using a pseudo-random function before transmission.
• The AFC uses the same pseudo-random function to recover flipped binaries and extract hidden measurements.

Main Results:

• The proposed method effectively ensures confidential data transmission, preventing unauthorized access by the EFC.
• Simulations and physical experiments validated the scheme's security and anti-interference capabilities.
• Power consumption tests demonstrated that the method is more efficient than traditional digital encryption methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed lightweight security transmission method enhances data confidentiality in WSNs.
• The technique offers a practical and power-efficient solution for secure data communication in resource-constrained WSN environments.
• The method provides robust security against eavesdropping and maintains data integrity.