Implementing Enhanced Security in the Zigbee Joining Process Using Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman Algorithm

Abstract The surge in Internet of Things (IoT) growth has generated an amplified need for secure communication protocols, underscoring the importance of identifying vulnerabilities in prominent IoT communication protocols such as Zigbee. This study thoroughly assesses papers that explore security issues, such as vulnerabilities, attacks, and countermeasures in Zigbee networks. It is then identified that the key vulnerability lies in key transportation and management within Zigbee networks. To address this issue, an enhancement is proposed, which focuses on reinforcing security during key transportation by integrating Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH) encryption during the network joining process. This solution aims to securely protect the network key against unauthorized access or manipulation. The proposed method is evaluated in terms of its computational, energy, and communication overhead. The results demonstrate that the suggested approach imposes minimal additional demand, resulting in improved overall security with minimal resource requirements. This research contributes to IoT security by providing an enhanced approach to safeguarding Zigbee networks, ultimately reinforcing the safety measures for IoT devices and ensuring secure data transmission. Cite this article as: V. Balyan and N. Gwata, "Implementing enhanced security in the Zigbee joining process using elliptic curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH) algorithm," Electrica, 24(3), 589-600, 2024.