Security in distributed wireless sensor networks

Distributed computer systems of microcontrollers with environmental sensors, known as wireless sensor networks, allow real time monitoring of complex events. Over the last ten years this technology is slowly being applied in many areas such as: agriculture, environmental monitoring and urban planning. However, the technology has yet to see a strong commercial application because of a: lack of universal norms, short lifetime cycle and security concerns. This paper will describe the basic characteristics of a wireless sensor network, followed by a list of different types of security problems that wireless sensor networks face. For each problem, a recommended method for improving security is given, along with all the downsides of such a method. After reviewing the current state of the technology we will propose a new method to improve security and intruder detection for certain types of networks.