Security problems in mobile ad hoc networks

A mobile ad hoc network consists of wireless nodes that form a radio network without any pre-existing infrastructure or centralized servers. One main challenge in design of these networks is their vulnerability to security attacks in a hostile environment. The mobile ad hoc-network is particularly vulnerable due to its features of open architecture, cooperative distributed algorithms, poor physical protection, and self-organizing network. These features also result in that many existing security solutions for wired networks and traditional tactical radio networks are not applicable to mobile ad hoc networks. Furthermore, the unique characteristics of mobile ad hoc networks such as resource constraints and dynamic network topology result in a number of challenges to security design. In this report we focus on the fundamental security problems of mobile ad hoc networks. Vulnerabilities of mobile ad hoc networks are first described. Thus, IT-attacks against mobile ad hoc networks are described. We then describe challenges to security design and security problems that need further research.