Dynamic key management algorithms in wireless sensor networks: A survey

Abstract Wireless sensor networks include a large number of sensor nodes, which perform the receiving, sending, and processing of the data. Because of the wireless nature of communications in this kind of networks, they are more vulnerable than the wired networks. Therefore, security in wireless sensor networks is vital and requires special instruments and techniques. Hence, the use of security mechanisms that are capable of optimally enhance the security and the lifetime of the network, using the limited capacity of the nodes is absolutely vital. One way of maintaining security in the wireless sensor networks is through key management, which is subdivided into dynamic key management and static key management. In this paper, we review dynamic key management systems in wireless sensor networks and introduce some evaluation criteria in key management systems. Also, we categorize dynamic key management schemes based on the type of keys, key distribution mechanisms, key cryptography methods and network models. The proposed categorization in this paper helps researchers achieve a comprehensive view of dynamic key management schemes in wireless sensor networks. Familiarity with new techniques and different dynamic key management methods allow further research in this area.