Secure and resilient time synchronization in wireless sensor networks

An accurate and synchronized clock time is crucial in many sensor network applications. A number of time synchronization schemes have been proposed for wireless sensor networks recently to address the resource constraints in such networks. However, most of these techniques assume benign environments, thus cannot survive malicious attacks in hostile environments, especially when there are compromised nodes. In this chapter, we present the clock model for time synchronization, and briefly introduce the insecure time synchronization techniques in wireless sensor networks. We then present the challenges and requirements to secure time synchronization and summarize the recent progress on secure time synchronization in wireless sensor networks.