Exploring Authentication Paradigms in the Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Scoping Review

Abstract

In the rapidly expanding domain of the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the implementation of robust security measures such as authentication has become paramount to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of connected devices. Symmetry in the IoT commonly denotes the uniformity or equilibrium in data distribution and processing across devices or nodes in a network. Leveraging symmetric patterns can enhance the robustness and scalability of IoT authentication. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in authentication techniques within the IoT paradigm. It subsequently presents recent research on various IoT authentication schemes, organized around several key research questions. The objective is to decipher the intricacies associated with authentication in the IoT by employing a multi-criteria classification approach. This involves a comprehensive analysis of existing authentication protocols, delineating their respective advantages and disadvantages, and gaining insights into the associated security concerns. The research questions highlighted in the review aim to probe the present scenario of authentication systems utilized in IoT, with a focus on identifying trends and discerning shifts. This review synthesizes insights from scholarly articles to provide a roadmap for future research in IoT authentication. It functions as a valuable resource for establishing theoretical foundations and provides practical implications applicable to practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike. By elucidating the intricacies of IoT authentication, this review cultivates a profound understanding of the transformative potential and the multifaceted challenges. It establishes the foundation for resilient security measures essential for the sustainable growth of the Internet of Things.