Secure Authentication Protocol for Internet of Things(IoT) Applications based on Blockchain Technology

Abstract

Internet of Things is evolving as an autonomous system connecting every possible object to an overarching network. However, the objects in the network are heterogeneous and resource constraint; and, security is one among the primary challenges. Existing security mechanisms are usually relying on a centralized security server; primarily, devices authenticate themselves from a trusted third party. If the server fails to function, then the security mechanism would halt the network. But, Blockchain technology with its decentralization property gives a reliable distributed solution to the single-point failure problem. This paper proposes an authentication mechanism in a permissioned network blockchain for device authentication. The security scheme is tested through a formal authentication tool, Scyther, to verify its authentication properties. The security framework adopted for the proposed system is Hyperledger Fabric blockchain platform. The proposed security scheme over the decentralized network is secure and suitable for IoT applications, which withstands many existing attacks related to authentication.