Proof-of-Location: A method for securing sensor-data-communication in a Byzantine fault tolerant way

Abstract

This research paper proposes an algorithm to establish trust among the nodes of a lightweight wireless sensor-network using principles of Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT). Basing on BFT communication schemes and the location as part of the node’s identity, malicious nodes, traitors and attackers can be identified and potentially excluded from communication to ensure honest behaviour. Sybil- and man-in-the-middle-attacks by can be prevented as a sender’s identity particularly bases on network observations and therefore cannot be copied or imitated. Using multilateral communication, the origin of a message and the unchanged (signed) content can be checked by all network participants. Consequently, identity, authenticity and accountability of the extended CIA-triad are preserved.