A Survey: Authentication Protocols & Security Analysis for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are collection of small devices equipped with sensors, microprocessors, and wireless communication capabilities. These devices are employed for the purpose of sensing, collecting, analysing, and wireless transmitting data via radio waves. WSNs are applied in various fields, including environmental surveillance, defence, healthcare, and industrial process control. However, WSNs are vulnerable to security risks, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach locations. To ensure security, multiple authentication techniques have been developed, and the present study focuses on security challenges and threats to WSNs, reviewing different authentication protocols currently used in WSNs. The survey highlights the growing interest in security and suggests several authentication methods that prioritize security, scalability, and reduced communication and computation overheads. The survey concludes that authentication protocols play a critical role in reducing the likelihood of attacks and ensuring secure data transmission in WSNs.