Blockchain Integration in IoT: A Comprehensive Review of Security, Algorithms, and Applications

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are constrained by limited storage and processing capabilities, creating open entry points for cyber threats. These constraints limits the establishment of robust security using conventional, centralized methods. Blockchain technology presents a promising solution by offering a decentralized, secure, and tamper-proof method for storing data. This paper examines modern research directions for implementing blockchain to enhance the security and quality of IoT systems. The core strength of blockchain lies in its ability to protect information from corruption and unauthorized access through encrypted, distributed ledgers. However, a significant challenge remains where many standard blockchain implementations are computationally expensive and demand high processing power, making them unsuitable for lightweight IoT devices. Therefore, the primary issue is not the applicability of blockchain’s security principles to IoT, but rather the prohibitive cost and resource requirements for many practical use cases. This research focuses on overcoming these barriers to enable efficient, featherweight blockchain solutions for the IoT landscape.