Secure Communications Using Blockchain Technology

Abstract

A secure communications infrastructure featuring email, chat, and a MIPR application was developed to a proof of concept level using a blockchain database to store the contents. The blockchain, which already provides a completely secure method of exchanging cryptocurrencies, can be extended to any transactional or communications paradigm. Email applications are described in which application-level standard protocols (e.g. SMTP, POP3, IMAP) were enhanced to optionally allow messages to be routed through a blockchain using familiar client applications such as MS Outlook or Thunderbird. Chat applications are discussed similarly, using the IRC protocol and a custom web-based protocol based on Socket. IO. A MIPR application is also featured where the ability of multiple parties to sign documents and release funds is illustrated. The integrity of the blockchain, inherent in its distributed nature, is discussed along with enhanced software to enable quick recovery from a breach.