SAFE: Secure and Fast Key Establishment for Resource Constrained Devices in Device to Device Communications

Abstract

Device to Device Communications allows devices within certain proximity limits to communicate directly with or without cellular network infrastructure. This leads to faster data exchange and low latency delays. With ever-rising security threats that can jeopardize D2D communications, authentication of devices and initial key establishment for further message encryption is the need of the hour for secure D2D communication. In this paper, we first analyze authentication schemes for traditional Diffie-Hellman and their shortcomings in terms of performance and security for resource-constrained devices. We then propose a solution initially meant for wireless sensor networks for key issuing and establishment, which is ideal for devices with resource limitations. The principle of the protocol is based on Identity-based Key Issuing and a Key Generation Centre Model. It is observed that a secure session key is established between two devices with the above protocol. The proposed protocol eliminates the need for certificates that lead to storage, communication, and computation overheads. It is suitable in terms of computation and communication overhead with the existing literature. The proposed protocol with the proposed Key Generation Centre model can easily be integrated into devices enabled with Wi-Fi Direct further enhancing the security of D2D communications. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.