A reputation-based method for detection of attacks in Virtual Coordinate based Wireless Sensor Networks

Virtual Coordinate (VC) based Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are susceptible to attacks resulting from malicious modification of VCs of individual nodes. While the impact of some such attacks is localized, others such as coordinate deflation and wormholes (tunneling) can cause severe disruptions. A comprehensive solution for detection of such attacks is presented that combines Beta Reputation System and a reputation based routing scheme. Latter ensures safe communication that bypasses malicious nodes during detection process. Attacks are identified by detecting changes in shape of network using topology maps. The topology distortion is rated using clusters identifiable by existing VCs thus requiring low computation and communication overhead. Simulation based evaluations demonstrate that the scheme efficiently detects deflation and wormhole attacks. The detection scheme easily differentiates between the changes in the network due to node failures, e.g., caused by battery drain, from those due to an attack.