Authenticated messaging in wireless sensor networks used for surveillance.

Wireless sensor networks simplify the collection and analysis of data from multiple locations. The self-organization capabilities of wireless sensor networks enable rapid deployment of target tracking and intrusion detection applications in hostile environments. However, sensor networks deployed in adversarial environments must be fortified against attacks. This thesis examines the threats against wireless sensor networks and surveys countermeasures that protect their communications with origin integrity and data integrity. This thesis solves the security problem in wireless sensor networks deployed for surveillance and target tracking by application of appropriate security mechanisms to a target tracking method. This new target tracking method, called s(OCO), provides reasonable countermeasures that mitigate vulnerabilities identified in a formal risk assessment. A simulation of the new methods reveals the actual cost of securing a target tracking method.