Proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments

Proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments

Josephine Djirackor, Mechanical, Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Francis Djirackor, Mechanical, Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Description

The proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments utilizing LoRaWAN technology has powered significant advancements in remote monitoring and data acquisition. However, widespread adoption remains hindered by persistent security vulnerabilities. Existing LoRaWAN security frameworks, primarily reliant on key-based encryption, are susceptible to evolving cyber threats, necessitating innovative countermeasures. This research introduces a novel security paradigm leveraging the inherent natural frequencies of individual network agents (sensors, actuators) to augment traditional key-based security. Incorporating unique frequency signatures as dynamic authentication parameters, we propose a multi- layered security architecture that enhances network resilience against unauthorized access and data manipulation. This approach exploits the intrinsic physical characteristics of each device, rendering it exceptionally challenging for malicious actors to replicate or spoof legitimate nodes. An analytical model that demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of this frequency-based security mechanism, considering factors such as environmental noise, device variability, and network scalability shall be developed. Simulations and preliminary experimental data validate the proposed methodology, showcasing substantial increase in network security without compromising LoRaWAN’s low-power, long-range capabilities.