Blockchain Papers

N. Ilakkiya, A. Rajaram

No abstract is available for this record.

Huda A. Ahmed, Hamid Alasadi

A mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) necessitates appropriate routing techniques to enable optimal data transfer. The selection of appropriate routing protocols while utilizing the default settings is required to solve the existing problems. To enable effective video streaming in MANETs, this study proposes a novel optimized link state routing (OLSR) protocol that incorporates a deep-learning model. Initially, the input videos are collected from the Kaggle dataset. Then, the black-hole node is detected using a novel twin-attention-based dense convolutional bidirectional gated network (SA_ DCBiGNet) model. Next, the neighboring nodes are analyzed using trust values, and routing is performed using the extended osprey-aided optimized link state routing protocol (EO_OLSRP) technique. Similarly, the extended osprey optimization algorithm (EOOA) selects the optimal feature based on parameters such as node stability and link stability. Finally, blockchain storage is included to improve the security of MANET data using interplanetary file system (IPFS) technology. Additionally, the proposed blockchain system is validated utilizing a consensus technique based on delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS). The proposed method utilizes Python and it is evaluated using data acquired from various mobile simulator models accompanied by the NS3 simulator. The proposed model performs better with a packet-delivery ratio (PDR) of 91.6%, average end delay (AED) of 23.6 s, and throughput of 2110 bytes when compared with the existing methods which have a PDR of 89.1%, AED of 22 s, and throughput of 1780 bytes, respectively.

Salman Ali Syed, Selvakumar Manickam, Mueen Uddin, Hamed Alsufyani · 7 authors

Internet of Things (IoT) paves the way for the modern smart industrial applications and cities. Trusted Authority acts as a sole control in monitoring and maintaining the communications between the IoT devices and the infrastructure. The communication between the IoT devices happens from one trusted entity of an area to the other by way of generating security certificates. Establishing trust by way of generating security certificates for the IoT devices in a smart city application can be of high cost and expensive. In order to facilitate this, a secure group authentication scheme that creates trust amongst a group of IoT devices owned by several entities has been proposed. The majority of proposed authentication techniques are made for individual device authentication and are also utilized for group authentication; nevertheless, a unique solution for group authentication is the Dickson polynomial based secure group authentication scheme. The secret keys used in our proposed authentication technique are generated using the Dickson polynomial, which enables the group to authenticate without generating an excessive amount of network traffic overhead. IoT devices' group authentication has made use of the Dickson polynomial. Blockchain technology is employed to enable secure, efficient, and fast data transfer among the unique IoT devices of each group deployed at different places. Also, the proposed secure group authentication scheme developed based on Dickson polynomials is resistant to replay, man-in-the-middle, tampering, side channel and signature forgeries, impersonation, and ephemeral key secret leakage attacks. In order to accomplish this, we have implemented a hardware-based physically unclonable function. Implementation has been carried using python language and deployed and tested on Blockchain using Ethereum Goerli's Testnet framework. Performance analysis has been carried out by choosing various benchmarks and found that the proposed framework outperforms its counterparts through various metrics. Different parameters are also utilized to assess the performance of the proposed blockchain framework and shows that it has better performance in terms of computation, communication, storage and latency.

Arooba Saeed, Muhammad Umar Javed, Ahmad Almogren, Nadeem Javaid · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

S. Bettayeb, Mohamed‐Lamine Messai, Sofiane Mounine Hemam

No abstract is available for this record.

Slavica Tomović, Bogdan Krivokapić, Đula Nađ, Igor Radusinović

This paper introduces a new blockchain-assisted key management protocol specifically designed for clustered Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs). The protocol focuses on simplifying cross-cluster reauthentication for mobile underwater devices and reducing the risks of internal attacks caused by compromised nodes. To address the resource limitations of UASN devices, the protocol utilizes Elliptic Curve Qu Vanstone (ECQV) certificates, which considerably reduces Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) overhead. Moreover, it integrates the Hashed One-pass Menezes-QuVanstone (HOMQV) protocol with blockchain technology to enhance key exchange security against active attacks. The blockchain is hosted on resource-intensive surface nodes that serve as cluster heads and decentralized authorities for certificate management. Smart contracts embedded within the blockchain facilitate certificate-related operations and node trust scoring mechanism. We compared the proposed solution against a state-of-the-art benchmark and demonstrated that it imposes lower computational and communication overheads while exhibiting robustness against various attacks, as confirmed by the AVISPA tool. The solution is implemented on actual underwater/surface devices and validated experimentally. By leveraging the immutable, traceable, and fault-tolerant properties of blockchain, it establishes a secure, scalable, and efficient communication framework for mission-critical UASN applications.

Julio César Pérez García, An Braeken, Abderrahim Benslimane

Group communications play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of service (QoS) of Internet of Things (IoT) networks, enabling efficient information dissemination while minimizing resource utilization. However, ensuring information security and privacy in IoT group communications necessitates the implementation of an efficient and lightweight key management scheme due to the limited capabilities of most IoT devices. This paper presents a novel key management protocol for group communications that employs distributed Blockchain technology in IoT networks. The proposed scheme considers nodes belonging to multiple groups. By utilizing an asymmetric key shared among group members, secure communication is established between outsiders and group members while preserving anonymity inside the group. A distinguishing feature of the protocol is its combination of group member anonymity and automatic key revocation facilitated by a Smart Contract. Furthermore, simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme, consuming less than 300 mJ of energy and taking less than 7 seconds to establish a group key among 1000 nodes, outperforming several existing approaches in the literature in terms of computation and communication costs.

Adnan Kılıç, Cansu Betin Onur, Ertan Onur

We present a password‐authenticated (2, 3)‐threshold group key share (PATS) mechanism. Although PATS resembles threshold secret sharing schemes, it has a different structure. The innovative perspective of the PATS mechanism that makes a difference from the standard secret‐sharing schemes is that it involves parties in the generation of the shares. PATS allows parties to communicate securely to establish their shares over insecure channels. Parties (shareholders) construct a secret (key) using shares obtained at the end of the protocol. PATS takes advantage of zero‐knowledge proofs compared to well‐known threshold key exchange schemes and will tolerate the existence of semi‐trusted parties. We present two variants of PATS, centralized and distributed, and then generalize PATS to ( t , n )‐threshold scheme. PATS supports the distributed operation and optionally facilitates group key verification by a trusted third party, which may also partake in group key sharing. In this paper, we present PATS, which employs finite fields and elliptic curves, along with its security and complexity analyses.

Reza Soltani, Marzia Zaman, Darshana Upadhyay, Achin Jain · 5 authors

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are essential for data collection across various domains but face growing risks from replication attacks, which introduce new vulnerabilities and security challenges. To address this issue, we propose a novel hybrid approach that integrates Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with adaptive Machine Learning (ML) methods, aiming to bolster both security and trustworthiness within WSNs. Specifically, our approach utilizes DLT to secure voting records and manage rewards, while adaptive ML models detect replica nodes by analyzing network parameters, including location, signal strength, and transmission rate. We present and evaluate three ML-based models for detecting replication attacks: 1) Random Forest Model (RFM), 2) Adaptive Weighted Random Forest Model based on Predicted Replica Nodes (AWRFM-PRN), and 3) Adaptive Weighted Random Forest Model based on Predicted Good and Replica Nodes (AWRFM-PGRN). The AWRFM-PRN and AWRFM-PGRN models enhance detection accuracy through iterative weight adjustments based on previous predictions. Our simulations show that the hybrid approach significantly improves detection performance compared to traditional methods. We evaluated our models by increasing the dataset size with varying proportions of replica nodes across ten subsets. We found that the AWRFM-PGRN model achieved around 71% accuracy when replica nodes comprised 50% or more of the network. Meanwhile, the AWRFM-PRN model demonstrated high effectiveness with accuracy ranging from 80% to 99% for replica nodes constituting 15% to 40% of the network. Furthermore, all models delivered nearly 99.9% accuracy when the proportion of replica nodes was between 5% and 10%. This innovative integration of DLT with adaptive ML modeling establishes a benchmark for robust and tamper-proof security in WSNs, offering significant enhancements over traditional ML techniques such as RFM, particularly in scenarios with high replica node counts.

Simeon Ogunbunmi, Mohsen Hatmai, Ronghua Xu, Yu Chen · 8 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Nidhish Bhimrajka, Ashish Choudhury, Supreeth Varadarajan

No abstract is available for this record.

S. Bettayeb, Mohamed‐Lamine Messai, Sofiane Mounine Hemam

No abstract is available for this record.

Saleh Almasabi, Ahmad Shaf, Tariq Ali, Maryam Zafar · 6 authors

The rapid advancement of grid modernization and the proliferation of smart grids have engendered a critical need for cyber-physical security. Recent cyber-attacks targeting grid infrastructure, notably leading to substantial blackouts in Ukraine, underscore the vulnerabilities and potentially catastrophic consequences of such incursions. These attacks, whether stemming from cyber threats such as Denial of Service (DOS), False Data Injection Attacks (FDIA), or complex cyber-physical manipulations, emphasize the imperative of robust cybersecurity protocols in smart grid operations. This research investigates a pivotal approach to fortify and safeguard smart grid systems by integrating blockchain technology with wireless sensor nodes. By leveraging a Proof of Authority (PoA) Ethereum Blockchain framework, the study delves into the transformative capabilities of Blockchain within Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks. Specifically, it examines configurations across IEEE 14-bus, 30-bus, and 118-bus topologies. In addition to elucidating the inherent vulnerabilities in traditional SCADA systems, this study meticulously evaluates an array of performance matrices. Statistical analyses encompassing mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and confidence levels provide nuanced insights into the efficacy of blockchain mechanisms in enhancing SCADA resilience against contemporary cyber threats. This research endeavors to bridge the gap in modern cybersecurity paradigms by fusing blockchain technology with wireless sensor nodes. By fortifying data integrity, elevating the reliability of data transmission, and augmenting trustworthiness within SCADA infrastructures, this study aims to present robust solutions to the escalating cybersecurity challenges faced by smart grid systems.

Liqun Chen, Changyu Dong, Christopher J. P. Newton, Yalan Wang

Group signatures and their variants have been widely used in privacy-sensitive scenarios such as anonymous authentication and attestation. In this paper, we present a new post-quantum group signature scheme from symmetric primitives. Using only symmetric primitives makes the scheme less prone to unknown attacks than basing the design on newly proposed hard problems whose security is less well-understood. However, symmetric primitives do not have rich algebraic properties, and this makes it extremely challenging to design a group signature scheme on top of them. It is even more challenging if we want a group signature scheme suitable for real-world applications, one that can support large groups and require few trust assumptions. Our scheme is based on MPC-in-the-head non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs, and we specifically design a novel hash-based group credential scheme, which is rooted in the SPHINCS+ signature scheme but with various modifications to make it MPC (multi-party computation) friendly. The security of the scheme has been proved under the fully dynamic group signature model. We provide an implementation of the scheme and demonstrate the feasibility of handling a group size as large as 2 60 . This is the first group signature scheme from symmetric primitives that supports such a large group size and meets all the security requirements.

Nguyen Van Nghi, Do Quang Trung, Dinh Tien Thanh

The Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) protocol is a key exchange protocol that is widely used in information technology systems. However, the ECDH protocol still has inherent weaknesses due to the lack of a user authentication mechanism and is affected by man-in-the-middle attacks. In this paper, we propose two novel variants of the ECDH protocol using Schnorr Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) for Client-Server network model. We aim to integrate the user authentication mechanism into the key exchange process for the Client-Server network model with higher security than applying the original ECDH protocol. To achieve this goal, we compare and analyze the network model utilizing the original ECDH protocol versus the proposed protocols. Therefore, we draw some conclusions about the advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of the proposed solution.

Jinxin Zuo, Ruohan Cao, Jiahao Qi, Peng Gao · 8 authors

In response to the challenge of low accuracy in node trust evaluation due to the high dynamics of entry and exit of drone cluster nodes, we propose a hierarchical blockchain-based trust measurement method for drone cluster nodes. This method overcomes the difficulties related to trust inheritance for dynamic nodes, trust re-evaluation of dynamic clusters, and integrated trust calculation for drone nodes. By utilizing a multi-layer unmanned cluster blockchain for trusted historical data storage and verification, we achieve scalability in measuring intermittent trust across time intervals, ultimately improving the accuracy of trust measurement for drone cluster nodes. We design a resource-constrained multi-layer unmanned cluster blockchain architecture, optimize the computing power balance within the cluster, and establish a collaborative blockchain mechanism. Additionally, we construct a dynamic evaluation method for trust in drone nodes based on task perception, integrating and calculating the comprehensive trust of drone nodes. This approach addresses trusted sharing and circulation of task data and resolves the non-inheritability of historical data. Experimental simulations conducted using NS3 and MATLAB demonstrate the superior performance of our trust value measurement method for unmanned aerial vehicle cluster nodes in terms of accurate malicious node detection, resilience to trust value fluctuations, and low resource delay retention.

Carsten Baum, Samuel Dittmer, Peter Schöll, Xiao Wang

Abstract A zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic protocol where a prover can convince a verifier that a statement is true, without revealing any further information except for the truth of the statement. This article is a survey of recent developments in building practical zero-knowledge proof systems using vector oblivious linear evaluation (VOLE), a tool from secure two-party computation. In this work, we attempt to systematize the recent works on VOLE-based Zero-Knowledge proofs and make the state of the art accessible in one document.

Raja Karmakar, Georges Kaddoum, Ouassima Akhrif

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are operated remotely without the presence of a unified system of identity authentication, and wireless communications in untrusted environments can cause the loss of valuable data carried by UAVs. Traditional UAV authentication mechanisms are centralized approaches, which suffer from a single point of failure problem and may incur high complexity computations. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a distributed authentication mechanism between the ground station controller (GSC) and a UAV. Moreover, in case of UAV swarms, the high mobility of the UAVs affects the stability of UAV communications, which leads to the degradation of the UAV authentication performance. Addressing these challenges, we design a blockchain-based distributed authentication mechanism, known asSwarmAuth, for UAV swarms, where the GSC and UAVs follow a mutual authentication approach using physical unclonable functions (PUFs), and the K-means clustering-based intelligent approach is used to dynamically create location-based clusters. The blockchain helps store UAVs’ authentication information in an immutable storage and the associated smart contracts provide a convenient access control model. The security analysis of SwarmAuth is carried out through both formal and informal proofs considering general attacks. Experimental evaluation shows that SwarmAuth can assure trustworthy communications and improve the network performance.

Jie Zhou, Ming Luo, Lixin Song, Jinlin Hu

No abstract is available for this record.

Jianrong Wang, Zongyuan Su, Tianyi Xu

Federated learning (FL) enables clients to participate in machine learning tasks in a private way. Applying blockchain into FL for decentralization and security has attracted much attention recently. The blockchain with a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure enables mobile devices to participate in decentralized FL more flexibly while reducing resource consumption and is more suitable for implementing decentralized FL in mobile networks than traditional blockchains. Non-independent and identically distributed (non-IID) data is a common problem in FL. Existing work on DAG-based FL lacks a suitable optimization method for non-IID data. In this paper, we briefly describe a DAG-based FL approach in mobile networks. In order to mitigate the negative effects of non-IID data, consensus in DAG is improved by utilizing a new tip (Unconfirmed blocks in the DAG ledger) selection algorithm proposed in this paper to help clients find suitable models more easily in DAG-based FL. Experiments on multiple datasets show that the method proposed in this paper has better results than existing work and is closer to traditional FL.

Shufan Fei, Zheng Yan, Haomeng Xie, Guocang Liu

Large-Scale Heterogeneous Networks (LS-HetNets) integrate different types of networks enabled by various technologies into a global coverage network to offer seamless networking. Securing End-to-End (E2E) communication in LS-HetNets is an effective way to gain high communication security and user trust across multiple network domains. However, most of existing research on E2E security suffers from several severe drawbacks, such as single point of failures, identity privacy leakage, and poor generality. The literature still lacks a universal E2E communication security framework for LS-HetNets. In this paper, we propose Sec-E2E, a decentralized framework that uses blockchain to provide E2E communication security in LS-HetNets. It comprises several components that work in harmony to ensure secure and efficient E2E communications. Sec-E2E includes a blockchain-enabled protocol for User Equipment (UE) registration and key management, a privacy-preserving mutual authentication protocol that allows Serving Networks (SNs) and UEs to authenticate with each other quickly, and a secure session key generation and distribution scheme empowered with a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Security and performance evaluation demonstrates that Sec-E2E not only meets desired design goals of security and privacy, but also performs with higher efficiency compared with existing representative works.

Deepak Chhikara, Saurabh Rana, Gyaneshwar Singh, Dheerendra Mishra · 5 authors

Communication technologies have grown fast over the previous decade, resulting in substantial breakthroughs in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications and services. ITS is distinguished by high node mobility and instability, making confidentiality, security, and privacy a difficult challenge to address in its implementation. Even though several researchers have suggested authenticated key agreement protocols for secure transmission, significant flaws can still be observed. Moreover, this research presents a unique blockchain-based group key agreement protocol to address these complex challenges. The proposed protocol can minimize processing latency, deployment costs, and queuing delay by utilizing RSU as a semi-trusted entity. Moreover, blockchain characteristics accomplish inter-regional authentication. We show that the proposed protocol is secure against known security threats, which we proved formally. In addition, the performance analysis demonstrates that the proposed protocol has considerably less communication and computational overhead than other existing protocols. Furthermore, the simulations are performed on NS-3 to demonstrate the practical aspects of the proposed protocol.

Weiwei Qi, Yu Xia, Pan Zhu, Shushu Zhang · 6 authors

Blockchain has proven in sensor networks as a distributed solution for transparent and secure storage, which allows its application in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs). The consensus mechanism, an essential aspect of blockchain technology, must concern the high mobility, resource-constrained nature, and weak physical defenses of sensor nodes in MWSNs. To secure MWSN data storage in clustered communication, we design a proof-of-information (PoI) variant for fair miner campaigning via the amount of valid data generated from environmental information, including a dynamic adjustment of the data volume threshold to detect malicious nodes and prevent them from misreporting information. Additionally, we introduce a filtering mechanism through the dynamic integrated trust (DIt) of nodes, which integrates the trust evaluation of peer nodes across the network combining objective performance to prevent malicious nodes from infiltrating the final consensus group. The multi-level filtering technique improves the campaign fairness while isolating malicious nodes, ensuring complexity-sensitive PBFT algorithm efficiency in large-scale networks. Simulation results show that the scheme isolates 90% of the malicious nodes and screens 20% of members to produce a smaller final consensus group. Further analysis of impacts on the performance considering network topology and mobility patterns and comparisons of the relevant solutions are presented.

Oscar G. Bautista, Mohammad Hossein Manshaei, Richard Hernández, Kemal Akkaya · 6 authors

No abstract is available for this record.