A Bibliometric Analysis and Comprehensive Overview of Security Attacks Against RPL in IoT Networks

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought forth a multitude of networking protocols aimed at enabling efficient communication between IoT devices. Among these, the Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) holds a pivotal role due to its energy-efficient routing capabilities. However, the inherent openness and constrained nature of IoT environments render RPL susceptible to a range of security attacks that can disrupt networks, compromise data integrity, and undermine system reliability. This research paper offers a comprehensive examination of RPL security by means of a bibliometric analysis and an overview of security attacks targeting the protocol within IoT networks. The study aggregates a diverse array of scholarly works, conference papers, and technical reports from reputable sources, providing insights into the trajectory of research trends, attack vectors, and mitigation strategies pertinent to RPL security. By systematically reviewing the literature, key thematic areas, influential authors, and significant journals shaping the discourse on RPL security are identified. Moreover, this chapter categorizes security attacks against RPL into distinct classes, encompassing sinkhole attacks, selective forwarding attacks, blackhole attacks, and Sybil attacks, among others. Each attack class is dissected in terms of its mechanisms, potential consequences, and real-world occurrences. The discussion extends to various proposed mitigation techniques, ranging from cryptographic methodologies and authentication mechanisms to anomaly detection and intrusion prevention systems. The findings underscore the dynamic nature of RPL security research, revealing a growing emphasis on collaborative approaches that merge cryptographic techniques with behavioral analysis. The analysis also underscores the necessity for a comprehensive security framework tailored to address RPL-specific challenges within IoT networks. By consolidating current knowledge, identifying research gaps, and outlining trends, this chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers striving to bolster the security of RPL-based IoT deployments. In sum, this bibliometric analysis and overview provide a comprehensive snapshot of RPL security concerns, offering insights into research trends, attack patterns, and mitigation strategies, ultimately contributing to an enhanced understanding of RPL’s security challenges and paving the way for more robust security measures within IoT ecosystems.