A hybrid key management scheme for healthcare sensor networks

Recent research in the performance of public key algorithms, such as Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), have illustrated upon their practical applicability in sensor networks. With this research, we are proposing an optimization to one of the most critical operations in Public Key Cryptography (PKC)-authentication of the public key. Here, we provide a framework that proposes a resource-efficient, lightweight and scalable key management scheme for the network under consideration. The proposed scheme uses a one-way hash function to construct a hash tree (Merkle Tree) as an alternative to traditional public key authentication techniques. Security and privacy are two foundational pillars in the design of electronic health systems, with users demanding high confidentiality of their personal data. Without the right infrastructure it is difficult to secure the ecosystem of wearable devices. We envision that by harnessing the performance capabilities of traditional symmetric-key algorithms coupled with the inherent benefits of the PKC architecture, the proposed scheme will provide a more robust and efficient security solution for e-Health driven applications.