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. 2012 Feb;36(1):93-101.
doi: 10.1007/s10916-010-9449-4. Epub 2010 Mar 12.

Security and privacy issues in wireless sensor networks for healthcare applications

Moshaddique Al Ameen  1 , Jingwei Liu, Kyungsup Kwak
Affiliations

Security and privacy issues in wireless sensor networks for healthcare applications

Moshaddique Al Ameen et al. J Med Syst. 2012 Feb.

Abstract

The use of wireless sensor networks (WSN) in healthcare applications is growing in a fast pace. Numerous applications such as heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor and endoscopic capsule are already in use. To address the growing use of sensor technology in this area, a new field known as wireless body area networks (WBAN or simply BAN) has emerged. As most devices and their applications are wireless in nature, security and privacy concerns are among major areas of concern. Due to direct involvement of humans also increases the sensitivity. Whether the data gathered from patients or individuals are obtained with the consent of the person or without it due to the need by the system, misuse or privacy concerns may restrict people from taking advantage of the full benefits from the system. People may not see these devices safe for daily use. There may also possibility of serious social unrest due to the fear that such devices may be used for monitoring and tracking individuals by government agencies or other private organizations. In this paper we discuss these issues and analyze in detail the problems and their possible measures.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Typical architecture of wireless sensor networks in healthcare applications [11]
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
WSN chipset sales and projections [25]
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Wireless sensors and transmitters market: growth rate and revenue forecast for healthcare, medical and biometrics (World), 2002–2012 [19]
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Security measures at controller/gateway in wireless body area networks
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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