A lightweight security protocol for ultra-low power ASIC implementation for wireless Implantable Medical Devices

Abstract

The newest generation of Implantable Medical Devices (IMDs) employs wireless communication with a nearby base station in order to provide better treatment and monitoring of the patients. However, a wireless connection opens a host of potential security threats to the privacy and safety of patients. This paper proposes a lightweight security protocol providing authentication and confidentiality to wireless energy-limited IMDs that operate on small energy sources such as a battery for many years. Adding security features to these devices can impose an unacceptable overhead. The protocol presented here employs lightweight encryption and is suitable for implementation on ultra-low power ASIC chips.