Implementing Moving Target IPv6 Defense to Secure 6LoWPAN in the Internet of Things and Smart Grid

Abstract

The growing momentum of the Internet of Things (IoT) has shown an increase in attack vectors within the security research community. We propose adapting a recent new approach of frequently changing IPv6 address assignment to add an additional layer of security to the Internet of Things. We examine implementing Moving Target IPv6 Defense (MT6D) in IPv6 over Low-Powered Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN); a protocol that is being used in wireless sensors found in home automation systems and smart meters. 6LoWPAN allows the Internet of Things to extend into the world of wireless sensor networks. We propose adapting Moving-Target IPv6 Defense for use with 6LoWPAN in order to defend against network-side attacks such as Denial-of-Service and Man-In-The-Middle while maintaining anonymity of client-server communications. This research aims in providing a moving-target defense for wireless sensor networks while maintaining power efficiency within the network.