Security Analysis of Wireless Body Area Network Protocols: A Survey

Abstract

The Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) has emerged as a transformative technology in the healthcare sector, particularly in the context of global health crises like pandemics, where the need for remote monitoring of patients is critical. WBANs consist of a network of sensors that are either worn on, implanted inside, or placed near the human body to continuously monitor a variety of physiological parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. This continuous data collection enhances patient care by enabling healthcare providers to make more informed, timely decisions and interventions, even from remote locations. However, the transmission of such critical and sensitive data raises serious security concerns, as any compromise in the network could lead to dangerous consequences, including incorrect diagnoses or delayed treatment. To address these issues, this paper provides an extensive review of the recent advancements and research in WBANs, with a particular focus on the IEEE 802.15.6 standard, which governs communication protocols for these networks. The survey delves into the technical aspects of these protocols, identifying key vulnerabilities and proposing areas for improvement to ensure the security and reliability of data in WBANs. Additionally, the paper discusses the current challenges in safeguarding patient data and the potential risks posed by malicious attacks, offering insights into possible mitigation strategies that could enhance the robustness of WBAN security in real-world applications