Home Automation Environment Security

Adequate security is a key requirement for home automation environments. Home Automation products are relatively new to the marketplace and many consumers are relatively unaware of the risks associated with home networks and remote management of these devices. Two key technologies involved in home networking and automation are Bluetooth and Jini. These technologies are littered with security risks that consumers and researchers need to understand. We also look at the details of a home automation system called Aladdin. Heavily tied to X11, power problems will destabilize the system. Heavy integration with remote management devices leave it vulnerable to viruses, worms and other attacks. Bluetooth and Jini both have significant security concerns and we investigate a proposed a PKI solution for making Jini more secure. Introduction Home automation products have only recently made their way into the mainstream marketplace. In the future it is likely that the electronic devices in our home will become more tightly integrated with each other and home networks will be used for an increasing number of critical tasks. As the devices, traditional networks, wireless networks and ad hoc networks become more pervasive in our lives and homes, the security of such devices and networks will become increasingly important as well. At its most basic level, home automation is anything that gives you automatic or remote control of things around your home (generally electronic devices). Home automation can involve a wide range of devices such as: VCRs, digital audio/video distribution devices, household appliances such as washing machines, coffee makers and the like as well as and traditional communication devices such as telephones and fax machines. In addition newer network-centric devices such as cell phones, PDAs, blackberry devices and other such devices can be utilized in home automation systems. Other critical household systems such as security systems, lighting, heating and air conditioning systems, garage door openers, automated sensing systems to monitor temperature, supply of heating oil, determine if a power failure has occurred and other such systems all fall into the category of home automation devices. Some or all of these devices tied together will produce a home automation environment. For some these will be very simply systems while other will incorporate very advanced features such as voice recognition systems and multiple computers to run the system. Home automation systems utilize many types of technology and have a variety of potential failure points and security concerns. Some security concerns are infrastructure related problems while other could be addressed within the chosen technology or software applications. In order for these systems to be useful they must provide services that are easy to use. They also must be streamlined enough that their operation does become to slow; however, at the same time they must provide a reasonably amount of security for the user. Extensibility is a key feature of such systems, as you don’t want to have to purchase a new home automation system every time you replace an appliance or purchase a new type of device. You ideally want one system that is able to handle many types of devices each operating with different technology and protocols. Lastly, these systems must be