Self-measurement of the information security level in a monitoring system based on mobile ad hoc networks

In critical security and safety monitoring systems, the information security level of the monitoring system might change rapidly because of hostile attacks targeted at it. A self-measurement mechanism can be used for the preservation and improvement of the information security level during the whole mission of a monitoring network. We propose our initial ideas for composing an integrated security metrics framework for a dynamic self-organized monitoring system based on mobile ad hoc networks, structured according to currently known security challenges. The aim is to predict, as well as to monitor, the security level, concentrating on the principal effects contributing to it. In addition, we introduce an on-the-fly security level estimation mechanism for mobile ad hoc networks. The mechanism can be used to support both node-level and network-level decision making. At the node level, it is possible to estimate constantly the security level for when choosing applications and communication mechanisms. At the network level, democratic voting among independent estimates originating from different nodes can be used to increase the level of security.