Blockchain Technology in IoT and IIoT Environments

Abstract

Computing has become available everywhere due to the huge spread of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across multiple and diverse areas. IoT expands Internet connectivity and connects several devices to the Internet, in addition to collecting and processing data for decision-making. IoT technology has grown significantly across various industrial sectors with several and varied applications. On the other hand, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology is based on a centralized architecture, which has the disadvantage of being likely to be exposed to an attack affecting the availability or leading to decision-making errors. Therefore, Blockchain technology is an appropriate solution combined with IIoT technologies. It shows a marked potential to raise the level of security within the IIoT, when the IIoT is in the form of a distributed ledger relying on decentralization. Decentralization limits or mitigates tampering, as it maintains data records across varied and multiple locations. This distinguishing feature of Blockchain technology also resolves problems, such as heterogeneity in traditional IoT networks. However, integrating Blockchain technology with IIoT systems leads to several challenges, such as environmental operability, scalability, and standardization. Therefore, this research study provides a comprehensive overview of IIoT security and investigates how IIoT security and privacy can be enhanced by using Blockchain technology. It also discusses recent research trends in the area and the use of Blockchain technology for risk management in IIoT systems.