Electric Autonomous Vehicles (EAVs) promise to be an effective way to solve\ntransportation issues such as accidents, emissions and congestion, and aim at\nestablishing the foundation of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) economy. For this to be\npossible, the market should be able to offer appropriate charging services\nwithout involving humans. The state-of-the-art mechanisms of charging and\nbilling do not meet this requirement, and often impose service fees for value\ntransactions that may also endanger users and their location privacy. This\npaper aims at filling this gap and envisions a new charging architecture and a\nbilling framework for EAV which would enable M2M transactions via the use of\nDistributed Ledger Technology (DLT).\n
R. A. Andreev, P A Andreeva, Л Н Кротов, Elena Krotova
В современном IT-пространстве блокчейн находится в числе наиболее быстро развивающихся технологий. В первую очередь это связано с ростом рынка криптовалют, которые созданы на базе технологии блокчейн. Но это не единственное возможное применение данной технологии. Блокчейн является многопользовательской надежной книгой учета транзакций, которую каждый может проверить, но ни один отдельный пользователь не может контролировать. Цель работы - анализ различных типов блокчейн технологии по различным параметрам (скорость работы, безопасность, условия доступа и другие). В данной статье представлен обзор различных типов блокчейна и возможные варианты применения этой технологии. Подробно рассмотрены различные виды данной технологии: публичные, федеративные, частные и гибридные блокчейны. Частные блокчейны имеют важное значение для решения проблем, связанных с эффективностью, безопасностью и мошенничеством в рамках традиционных финансовых учреждений. В то же время публичные блокчейны обладают потенциалом для замены большинства функций традиционных финансовых учреждений программным обеспечением, главным образом переопределяя способ работы финансовой системы. Федеративные блокчейны являются более быстрыми и обеспечивают большую конфиденциальность транзакций. Гибридный блокчейн объединяет возможности масштабируемости распределенной базы данных с неизменяемыми элементами блокчейна. Раскрыты условия и правила работы с тем или иным типом блокчейна. Приведены примеры использования блокчейн-технологии для работы с криптовалютами. Представлены результаты сравнения публичных и частных блокчейнов по доступу, скорости, безопасности и идентификации. Результаты обзора показали, что технология блокчейн все еще находится на ранних стадиях развития и имеет ряд проблем, требующих решения.
Starting with BitTorrent and then Bitcoin, decentralized technologies have been on the rise over the last 15+ years, gaining significant momentum in the last 2+ years with the advent of platform ecosystems such as the Blockchain platform Ethereum. New projects have evolved from decentralized games to marketplaces to open funding models to decentralized autonomous organizations. The hype around cryptocurrency and the valuation of innovative projects drove the market cap of cryptocurrencies to over a trillion dollars at one point in 2017. These high valued technologies are now enabling something new: globally scaled, decentralized business models. Despite their valuation and the hype, these new business ecosystems are frail. This is not only because the underlying technology is rapidly evolving, but also because competitive markets see a profit opportunity in exponential cryptocurrency returns. This extracts value from these ecosystems, which could lead to their collapse, if unchecked. In this paper, we explore novel ways for decentralized economies to protect themselves from, and coexist with competitive markets at a global scale utilizing decentralized technologies such as Blockchain.
IOTA is a revolutionary new, next generation public distributed ledger that utilizes a novel invention, called a “Tangle”, at its core. The Tangle is a new data structure based on a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG). As such it has no Blocks, no Chain and also no Miners. Because of this radical new architecture, things in IOTA work quite differently compared to other Blockchains.
Electric Autonomous Vehicles (EAVs) promise to be an effective way to solve transportation issues such as accidents, emissions and congestion, and aim at establishing the foundation of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) economy. For this to be possible, the market should be able to offer appropriate charging services without involving humans. The state-of-the-art mechanisms of charging and billing do not meet this requirement, and often impose service fees for value transactions that may also endanger users and their location privacy. This paper aims at filling this gap and envisions a new charging architecture and a billing framework for EAV which would enable M2M transactions via the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
Jan Krämer, Jan Martijn E. M. van der Werf, Johan Stokking, Marcela Ruiz
Distributed Infrastructure Initiatives (DIIs) are communities that collaboratively produce and consume infrastructure. To develop a healthy ecosystem, DIIs require an economic model that balances supply and demand, but there is currently a lack of tooling to support implementing these. In this research, we propose an architecture for a platform that enables DIIs to implement such models, focused around a digital currency based on blockchain technology. The currency is issued according to the amount participants contribute to the initiative, which is quantified based on operational metrics gathered from the infrastructure. Furthermore, the platform enables participants to deploy smart contracts which encode self-enforcing agreements about the infrastructure services they exchange. The architecture has been evaluated through a case study at The Things Network (TTN) a global distributed crowdsourced Internet of Things initiative. The case study revealed that the architecture is effective for the selected case at TTN. In addition, the results motivate future research lines to support scalability (i.e., to deploy the architecture on a larger scale) and security.
Leonardo da Costa, André Avelino da Silva Neto, Billy Pinheiro, Roberto Araújo · 6 authors
In blockchain, full nodes (FNs) are peers that store and verify entire chains of transactions, and light clients (LCs) are those which outsource chain verification to FNs (as they lack computing resources required to do so). In general, LCs perform simpler verification protocols, e.g. Simple Payment Verification (SPV), by offloading the execution of blockchain operations to FNs. To cope with byzantine faults (like malicious behavior), a current approach for blockchain transaction verification is requiring that LCs outsource their requests to multiple FNs, and compare received results. This approach, however, requires that LCs establish secure connections to each FN, which leads to client-side complexity and slower verification. To tackle this issue, we propose Distributed Lightweight Client Protocol (DLCP), a protocol for secure verification in blockchain. In summary, DLCP requires LCs to encrypt a request once, allowing a pre-determined set of FNs to access and process it. Through DLCP, LCs become able to verify whether FNs have agreed on the operation outcome. From some preliminary evaluation, we observed that DLCP decreased computing and communication overhead in LCs, while providing lower latency.
Michael Mylrea, Sri Nikhil Gupta Gourisetti, Randy Bishop, Matthew Johnson
The U.S. power grid is a complex system of systems that requires secure, reliable and trustworthy energy delivery systems. Grid modernization has increased the speed and size of data sets exchanged on these systems. Exasperating the challenge is these systems are increasingly distributed creating new data fidelity and interoperability challenges for grid operators struggling to balance and incorporate distributed energy resources. Blockchain technology provides an atomically verifiable cryptographic signature to help increase the trustworthiness of energy delivery systems at the grid's edge. This is especially important as distribution level as energy delivery systems and field devices have increasing operational and security requirements that are often diametrically opposed: as data, speed and analytic requirements increase, security and functionality requirements increase, as the grid's edge incorporate distributed energy resources and transacts in real time, availability is prioritized over the integrity and confidentially of that data. This paper explores how a keyless signature blockchain infrastructure (KSBI) technology may help facilitate NERC CIP compliance and securing critical energy infrastructure from evolving cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
Among various network attacks, botnet led attacks are considered as the most serious threats. A botnet, i.e., the network of compromised computers is able to perform large scale illegal activities such as Distributed Denial of Service attacks, click fraud, bitcoin mining etc. These attacks are considered as the major concern now-a-days. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of botnets, their lifecycle and types. We also discuss the peer-to-peer botnet detection techniques' behaviors using various latest detection techniques.
The exponential growth of wireless services with diversity of devices and applications has inspired the research community to come up with novel concepts to improve the efficiency of resource use. It is cost efficient and practical to be able to evaluate and analyze expected value of use cases before actual implementation of the solution. This paper presents blockchain network slice brokering use case value analysis and results in the industrial automation application scenario. The use case value was assessed applying resource configuration framework against blockchain and smart contracts characteristics and capabilities. According to the findings, expected value of blockchain network slice brokering use case was proven and in general feasibility of blockchain technology for novel resource configurations use cases for various network functions was stated. The use case enables industrial automation processes and related manufacturing equipment to autonomously and dynamically acquire the slice needed for most efficient operations. The resource configuration framework provides a dynamic framework for analyzing and developing the blockchain enabled novel use cases and business models.
Cyberattacks are nowadays moving rapidly. They are customized, multi-vector, staged in multiple flows and targeted. Moreover, new hacking playgrounds appeared to reach mobile network, modern architectures and smart cities. For that purpose, malware use different entry points and plug-ins. In addition, they are now deploying several techniques for obfuscation, camouflage and analysis resistance. On the other hand, antiviral protections are positioning innovative approaches exposing malicious indicators and anomalies, revealing assumptions of the limitations of the anti-antiviral mechanisms. Primarily, this paper exposes a state of art in computer virology and then introduces a new concept to create undetectable malware based on the blockchain technology. It summarizes techniques adopted by malicious software to avoid functionalities implemented for viral detection and presents the implementation of new viral techniques that leverage the blockchain network.
Arman Pouraghily, Md Nazmul Islam, Sandip Kundu, Tilman Wolf
Over past two decades, the idea of Internet of Things has been adopted widely as a solution to many societal problems in different areas. These areas include but are not limited to healthcare, transportation, environment, etc. Low cost overhead of Internet connectivity feature has been the main contributing factor in the widespread use of such devices in building different IoT solutions. The original stovepipe architecture of IoT systems limits the possibility of sharing the hardware infrastructure of IoT solutions and therefore is the main barrier against novel solutions. In recent year, however, there have been efforts to come up with solutions for sharing the hardware infrastructure and therefore pave the way for innovative solutions by amortizing the capital cost of setting up the hardware. In this work, we propose an architectural guideline for blockchain enabled IoT devices which facilitates sharing them between multiple blockchain ecosystems and at the same time, ensures the exclusive access to them seamlessly through blockchain smart contracts.
The usage of cell (mobile) phones has increased over the years. As newer and more advanced cellular technology is introduced, the question of what will be done with disposed or retired cell phones becomes a pressing one. Currently, this problem has an impact on the environment, as e-waste in landfills is a growing concern. Many have offered solutions to this problem, some that involve recycling the materials the cell phone is made of or extending the length of the contract so that users keep their cell phones longer. However, in this paper, we provide an alternative to these methods by using our model to determine if a retired cell phone can be repurposed by identifying its functional components and its sensor capabilities. Given this information from our model, a repurpose-capable cell phone can then be used to develop useful smart campus applications and can potentially reduce the number of retired cell phones that become e-waste.
In this tutorial, I survey some of the private blockchain systems with respect to their architectures in general and their approaches to some specific technical areas. Specifically, I focus on how the functionality of traditional and modern data stores are being utilized or not utilized in the different blockchain systems.
As a foundational technology, blockchains have demonstrated their ability to remove middlemen and streamline ledger-based transactions in everything from cryptocurrencies (e.g. Bitcoin) to centralized voting. In many underdeveloped countries, blockchain-based technologies provide opportunities for transparent transactions between parties, reducing corruption and facilitating trust. Much research on blockchains to date has focused on its virtues, but far less attention has been paid to its inherent risks and dangers. In this paper, we examine the risks and dangers of relying on blockchains in underdeveloped countries. Despite its many promises, blockchain technologies face significant hurdles for adoption in underdeveloped countries; in this paper, we explore eight these risks and dangers.
Khaled Shuaib, Juhar Abdella, Farag Sallabi, Mohammed Abdel‐Hafez
Due to the expansion of small scale distributed energy resources such as solar rooftop and PEVs, decentralized energy trading is expected to be one of the most important components of next generation power systems. Decentralized peer-to-peer energy exchange systems are believed to be a promising solution not only to solve the scalability and mobility problems in the existing system but also to create a competitive market that can benefit small scale prosumers and consumers. However, such systems need to be equipped with the necessary security, privacy and payment transaction mechanisms to be efficient and trusted. In this paper, we propose a decentralized energy exchange system based on Blockchains. Blockchains is a technology that supports secure transactions between participating entities in a decentralized peer-to-peer network. The proposed system allows for energy exchange between prosumers using a form of smart electronic contracts which are based on Blockchains.
A cryptographic digital currency, which has gained substantial popularity worldwide is Bitcoin. The competition among cryptocurrencies, legal and regulatory framework of Bitcoin and its possible future have been studied and discussed in this paper where different variables identified by different authors which are affecting the competition. Aspect of regulatory framework and the possible future of Bitcoin across the globe is discussed along with the limitations that Bitcoin has.
Michael Mylrea, Sri Nikhil Gupta Gourisetti, Heather Culley
The following landscape analysis explores blockchain or distributed ledger technologies application to securing electricity infrastructure. The exploration of how distributed ledger technologies can be used to increase the trustworthiness and integrity of the grid’s edge is imperative to the economic, security and well-being of all modern societies that rely on electricity. Blockchain technology’s ability to secure, track and optimize complex data transactions provides an exciting value proposition to securing and optimizing the U.S. power grid. An energy delivery system (EDS) operating at the grid’s edge requires unprecedented levels of security and trustworthiness to verify integrity of data and manage complex transactive and distributed Energy Resources (DERs) exchanges. Moreover, grid-edge devices lack visibility, control and security to conduct real-time energy transactions with the required security, speed and scale. The U.S. power grid is a complex system of systems that requires secure, reliable and trustworthy EDSs. Grid modernization has increased the speed and size of data sets exchanged on these systems (Gordes and Mylrea 2014). Exasperating the challenge is these systems are increasingly distributed creating new data fidelity and interoperability challenges for grid operators struggling to balance and incorporate DERs. Blockchain technology provides an atomically verifiable cryptographic signature to help increase the trustworthiness of EDSs at the grid’s edge. This feature is especially important at distribution level since EDSs and field devices have increasing operational and security requirements that are often diametrically opposed. For example, as data, speed and analytic requirements increase, security and functionality requirements increase. Further, as the grid’s edge incorporate DERs and transacts in real time, availability is prioritized over the integrity and confidentially of that data. Blockchain presents the prospect of solving some of these complex challenges related to grid security and modernization. However, there are more questions about blockchain applicability than answers. There are number of theoretical blockchain applications to the energy sector, but few energy utilities have actually applied, implemented or even experimented with the underlying distributed ledger technology and consensus algorithms that enable blockchain to exchange data more efficiently and securely.
While the cyber insurance market has been growing significantly in recent years, its insurance providers face several challenges: first, there is a lack of standardized frameworks to rate ""cyber""; second, there's a shortage of relevant data to calculate premiums; and third, security postures of insured organizations constantly change. Unlike other types of insurance, cyber insurance requires creating a continuous feedback loop between customers and insurers. In this article, we introduce BlockCIS, a blockchain-based continuous monitoring and processing system for cyber insurance. BlockCIS aims to realize an automated, real-time, and immutable feedback loop between the insurer, its customer, third parties and potential auditors. As an example instantiation, we prototype BlockCIS using the open source Hyperledger Composer blockchain framework.