Game-Theoretic Defense Strategies for Mitigating Gray Hole Attacks on Energy-Limited Sensors in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have improved efficiency and accuracy in various applications, including military and healthcare. However, gray hole attacks are damaging and difficult-to-detect attack that causes communication delays, packet loss, and significant energy losses. The paper aims to limit the energy effect of gray-hole attacks in WSNs by presenting the interaction between an attacker and their target as an extensive game with incomplete information. Equilibrium profiles, once computed and achieved, guarantee optimal protection for the defender and maximum damage potential for the attacker. The simulation showed that the model can force the attacker to behave normally in a WSN, limiting energy consumption.