Security architecture of interconnected smart devices, an analysis of security issues with solutions

Abstract

Internet is a global network of computing systems and smart devices which utilizes standardized protocols to create services for end users. It shapes “network of networks” which comprises of public and private network connected by employing variety of wireless, wired and optical communication technologies. Internet of Things (IoT) is the evolution of Internet and is considered as future of Internet. IoT is characterized by its heterogenous nature where billions of smart devices, sensors, embedded computers, actuators and people are interconnected to interact among themselves and with their environment. In IoT paradigm, when devices termed as “Things” are provided with Internet connectivity then it becomes IoT with the aim to converge physical and virtual world for prescribed services. Moreover, various standard bodies and consortium are contributing to standardized IoT protocols and communication technologies. Unlike traditional computing systems, IoT objects are designed to perform prescribed functionality by employing needed resources to keep procurement and implementation cost low. The wide range of smart entities, diverse nature of IoT communication and existence of imbalance resources among IoT objects creates immense challenges and security issues for IoT ecosystem. Moreover, availability of various IoT standards and non-availability of unified agreed upon standard also poses challenges for IoT implementation. Compared to traditional computing systems, resources in terms of processing, memory, power and bandwidth capacity are limited in IoT environment therefore security mechanisms designed for regular computing system are impractical and not always applicable for implementation in IoT ecosystem. Hence, security is a prime concern which must be addressed for IoT success and to reap its potential benefits. This thesis examines the building blocks needed for IoT architecture. Deployment strategies have been explained with a view to carry out their impact and security analysis. This research contributes in security analysis of IEEE 82.15.4, 6LoWPAN, RPL and CoAP so as to highlight areas for optimization and improvement of security aspect. In this study, IoT standardization has also been discussed from different angles in order to proffer recommendations for unified IoT standard. Different IoT gadget and products which are available in the market are examined from security perspective. This research also explains various security challenges and issues pertaining to IoT. Finally, solutions to security challenges and issue to IoT are proposed which includes design considerations, framework for key establishment schemes in constrained devices, a model for centralized IoT deployment and security guidelines for IoT environment.