Blockchain-Based Secure Device Management Framework for an Internet of Things Network in a Smart City

Abstract

The broadly configured smart city network requires a variety of security considerations for a heterogeneous device environment. Because a network of heterogeneous devices facilitates an attacker’s intrusion through a specific device or node, a device management framework is required to manage each node comprehensively. This paper proposes a blockchain-based device management framework for efficient device management, scalable firmware update and resiliences on attacks against smart city network. This framework offers four device management and firmware update mechanisms based on the performance and requirements of each device: bidirectional mechanism of general end node and a unidirectional mechanism of the lightweight end node. This difference optimizes the resource of network and devices in terms of management and security. All management history of each device is stored in the blockchain and transmitting firmware between vendor and management node is conducted through a smart contract of blockchain for security and resilience on the attack. Through the framework proposed in this paper, the confidentiality and availability of device management on smart city network as well as integrity, auditability, adaptability and authentication for each node are ensured and the effectiveness of the proposed framework is presented through the security analysis.

Blockchain as a Driver for Smart City Development: Application Fields and a Comprehensive Research Agenda

“…This implies that smart cities are enabled by several drivers, including technology. The vision to mitigate the challenges caused by the rapid growth of the urban population cannot be realized without effective, real-time, and reliable data access and processing [22]. Similarly, the concept of smart cities aims to create an environment where technology is fully embedded within the city, synergizing various social dimensions to efficiently allocate resources, adding high-value services, and improving the quality of life for citizens.…”

Current Research Trends in IoT Security: A Systematic Mapping Study

“…Beyond the smart home, it connects all sensors and smart objects at the city level to provide real-time smart services. erefore, research on the protection of citizens' personal information [152][153][154], management of IoT devices in heterogeneous device network environments [155,156], and integrated security solutions considering the entire security stack [157,158] has been conducted.…”

“…Topic 10 is related to the adoption of blockchain in smart-IoT applications, such as smart contracts, smart inventory management, smart e-commerce, and smart shopping systems [140,155,[267][268][269][270][271][272][273][274][275][276][277][278][279].…”

Blockchain Applications to Improve Operation and Security of Transportation Systems: A Survey

“…When performed, the process serves to validate the node's operation, which prevents the possible infiltration of malicious vehicles. Smart cities have been noted to have great potential in improving their security through the use of blockchain technology in their device management system by Gong et al [67]. Under this method, all devices, including CAVs, within the smart city network are managed under a blockchain-based system that facilitates safe and reliable updates, device control, and access only by approved parties that oversee smart city function and, overall, a secure and trusted network.…”