Security and Privacy Considerations in Blockchain-based IoT Systems
V. S. Anjali · 2024
The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has revolutionised the way we interact with technology and the world around us. From smart homes and wearable devices to industrial sensors and autonomous vehicles, the IoT ecosystem has expanded exponentially, bringing with it numerous benefits and opportunities. However, this interconnected landscape also presents significant security and privacy challenges that must be addressed to ensure the trustworthiness and reliability of IoT systems. As the number of interconnected devices continues to grow, the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted and processed by these devices become paramount. Traditional security approaches and centralised architectures are often insufficient to address the unique security challenges faced by IoT systems. The decentralised and distributed nature of blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance security in this context. This chapter delves into the crucial aspects of security and privacy in the context of blockchain-based IoT systems. It explores the unique security challenges faced by IoT systems, such as device vulnerabilities, data integrity, and network attacks. By leveraging the fundamental characteristics of blockchain technology, such as decentralisation, immutability, and consensus mechanisms, we can mitigate these challenges and establish a more robust security framework. Furthermore, privacy concerns pose another significant challenge in the realm of IoT. With a plethora of devices collecting and sharing personal data, ensuring privacy becomes essential. This chapter also addresses the privacy concerns associated with IoT and explores privacy-preserving techniques that can be employed in blockchain-based IoT systems. By leveraging blockchain's features, such as pseudonymity, selective disclosure, and access with permission, we can enhance privacy in IoT environments while maintaining the integrity of the system.