Blockchain-Based Key Sharing Mechanism for IoT Device-to-Device (D2D) Secure Communications

Abstract

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized how physical objects in various environments connect and share information over the Internet, ushering in an era of ubiquitous data accessibility. This technology has rapidly gained popularity across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, etc. However, with the proliferation of IoT devices and the sensitive nature of the data they handle, the primary concern is ensuring robust data security to thwart potential misuse by malicious users. The challenge of securing IoT applications is particularly challenging due to the multifaceted demands of this technology. While traditional centralized approaches to communication provide a level of security, they often entail inherent vulnerabilities. IoT devices, constrained by limited computing power, memory, and energy resources, necessitate a more innovative approach to provide secure communication. This article presents a blockchain-based key-sharing mechanism for enhancing device-to-device (D2D) secure communication, specifically designed to address the intricacies of D2D communication without central intermediaries. This novel approach securely stores all device identifiers (IDs) and public keys on a decentralized, distributed, immutable blockchain ledger. This architecture renders tampering with blockchain records computationally infeasible for potential attackers, ensuring the integrity and availability of shared keys. Based on comprehensive simulations, experimental evaluations demonstrate the feasibility and viability of implementing blockchain-based key sharing in real-world IoT applications and services. Importantly, this approach upholds stringent security requirements while leveraging existing hard-ware, software, network infrastructure, and internet technologies, corroborating its readiness for practical deployment. In essence, this study underscores the transformative potential of blockchain in fortifying IoT device-to-device communication, paving the way for a future where secure, decentralized, and efficient data sharing among IoT devices becomes the new standard.