Secure Access Control to IoT Devices using Blockchain

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) is growing at an exponential rate but the area of privacy and security in IoT still remains unexplored. The existing algorithms or methods are mainly centralized and hence they are vulnerable due to their single point authentication topology. As it has been estimated that by 2020 there will be more 'things' than people on this earth the problem of security becomes a major concern in IoT networks, as a person having control to an IoT network will be able to control a large portion of an organization. Blockchain has recently been used to provide security to peer-to-peer networks. Blockchains are computationally expensive, heavyweight and are considered unsuitable for IoT architecture. In this paper a new lightweight and secure architecture for IoT by using Ethereum Blockchain retaining most of its security providing powers is proposed. Since Blockchain is decentralized it solves the single point authentication problem existing in IoT networks. A Smart Home System as a representative case study has been implemented for broader IoT applications. The two parameters measured are temperature and intrusion detection. The proposed model tackles some more challenges that exist in IoT networks. The Qualitative evaluation of the proposed architecture highlights how it tackles various attacks.

Blockchain security research: theorizing through bibliographic-coupling analysis

“…Computationally expensive and heavyweight, blockchain is not inherently suitable for IoT architectures. However, there are emerging lightweight and secure architecture for the IoT that deploy Ethereum blockchain while maintaining its security power (Ghadekar et al , 2019)…”

“…Computationally expensive and heavyweight, blockchain is not inherently suitable for IoT architectures. However, there are emerging lightweight and secure architecture for the IoT that deploy Ethereum blockchain while maintaining its security power (Ghadekar et al, 2019) In addition, Hu et al (2019) approach smart blockchain contracts as a means of reducing costs, risks and improving on poor levels of efficiency and transparency in energy power supply and demand networks in China. This concludes in favor of the scope for improved transaction efficiency based on a secure and efficient power trading environment.…”

“…The Internet of things (IoT) is growing at an exponential rate and thus generating still unexplored privacy and security areas. There are estimates that 2020 shall see more “things” than people on Earth and with security problems becoming a still greater concern for IoT networks as humans simply cannot control the large amount of data available while ensuring its security and integrity (Ghadekar et al , 2019). The security breaches in traditional transactional and financial platforms represent the major cause of personal and organizational data losses (Taleb, 2019).…”

“…The security breaches in traditional transactional and financial platforms represent the major cause of personal and organizational data losses (Taleb, 2019). In turn, blockchain technology has recently evolved into applications serving as a means of security in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks (Ghadekar et al , 2019). Due to the importance of privacy and the integrity of data, the deployment of blockchain now extends to ensuring the security of cloud environments, systems highly prone to malicious attacks that may compromise data, (Veena et al , 2019).…”

Application of Blockchain to Secure e-FIR

“…In proposed system FIR records are protected with ethereum based smart contracts. This blockchain based system prevents data tampering and false FIR registrations because of its decentralized nature [6]. Filed FIR will store hash and details in block.If the police refuse to file the FIR due to pressure or claim they did not receive any complaint, the complainant would have substantial evidence against them.…”