PSKA: Usable and Secure Key Agreement Scheme for Body Area Networks
Body Area Networks (BANs) are increasingly prevalent in today`s world, facilitating the monitoring and tracking of individuals` health and physical activities. These networks consist of multiple wearable devices such as smartwatches, heart rate monitors, and fitness trackers, all communicating with each other and with the individual`s smartphone or computer. However, the security of the data transmitted in such networks can be compromised if adequate measures are not taken. PSKA, or Password-Authenticated Symmetric Key Agreement, is a key agreement scheme developed for BANs to ensure both usability and security.
Key agreement schemes are used to establish a shared secret key between two parties, which can then be used for secure communication. In the case of BANs, the parties are the wearable devices and the individual`s smartphone or computer. PSKA is a symmetric key agreement scheme, meaning that the same key is used for both encryption and decryption of the data transmitted.
One of the main challenges in developing a key agreement scheme for BANs is ensuring usability. Wearable devices must be designed with the user in mind, and any security measures implemented should not interfere with the user`s experience. PSKA addresses this challenge by using a password-based authentication method. The user selects a password, which is then used to authenticate the wearable device to the smartphone or computer. This password can be easily remembered and entered by the user, making the process of establishing a key more straightforward.
Another challenge in BANs is ensuring security. The data transmitted in these networks can be sensitive, and there is a risk of interception or tampering. PSKA addresses this challenge by using a combination of symmetric key encryption and authentication protocols. Once the password has been authenticated, the wearable device and the smartphone or computer exchange messages to negotiate a shared secret key using a key derivation function. This shared key is then used to encrypt and decrypt all data transmitted between the devices.
PSKA is a robust key agreement scheme that balances security with usability, making it an excellent choice for BANs. Its password-based authentication method ensures ease of use, while its combination of encryption and authentication protocols ensures the security of the data transmitted. As BANs continue to grow in popularity, the use of key agreement schemes like PSKA will become increasingly important in protecting users` sensitive data.