Secure and lightweight key distribution with ZigBee pro for ubiquitous sensor networks

Abstract

We propose a secure and lightweight key distribution mechanism using ZigBee Pro for ubiquitous sensor networks. ZigBee consumes low power and provides security in wireless sensor networks. ZigBee Pro provides more security than ZigBee and offers two security modes, standard security mode and high security mode. Despite high security mode, ZigBee Pro has weakness of key distribution. We use enhanced ECDH for secure key distribution in high security mode. Our simulation results show that the energy consumption of our approach decreases and the average run time is decreased by 39%. Moreover, the proposed scheme enhances security, that is, confidentiality, message authentication, and integrity. We also prove that the proposed key distribution can resist man-in-the-middle attack and replay attack. © 2013 Kyung Choi et al.