IEEE 802.15.4 Wireless Security: Self-Assessment Frameworks

This thesis analyzes the security of networks built upon the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, specifically in regard to the ability of an attacker to manipulate such networks under real-world conditions. The author presents a set of tools, both hardware and software, that advance the state-of-the-art in reconnaissance and site surveying, intelligent packet generation, and launching of attacks. Specifically, tools provide increased hardware support for the KillerBee toolkit, a Scapy layer for forming 802.15.4 packets, reflexive jamming of packets, and other research enablers. This work aims to advance the ability of security auditors to understand the threats to IEEE 802.15.4 networks by providing auditors usable and low-cost tools to carry out vulnerability assessments.