Blockchain-enabled Device Authentication and Authorisation for Internet of Things

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of multiple devices known as “things” which includes sensors, security cameras, smart lights, smart TV, traffic lights etc. in the smart home or industrial environment. In many applications, these IoT devices are installed in open areas for example traffic lights/ security cameras in a smart city. Strong authentication and authorisation for these devices need to be deployed to ensure trust among IoT networks. IoT devices produce and forward security-sensitive data and hence confidentiality, authentication and proper authorisation should be the primary priority of an IoT system. Implementing Certificate Authority-based digital certificate solutions is costly because of the number of devices involved in IoT networks. Blockchain is a decentralized ledger-based technology which can help to provide seamless yet cost-effective solutions for confidentiality, authentication, and authorisation for IoT environments. A blockchain-based system for device registration, authentication, authorisation, and data confidentiality is proposed. The paper shows the methodological and procedural details of the proposed security scheme.