Blockchain for Improving Security and Privacy in the Smart Sensor Network
Amit Kumar Tyagi, Tanuj Surve · 2024
Smart sensor devices have turned out to be an essential chunk of our interconnected region, enabling data collection and automation in various domains, from industrial applications to healthcare and environmental monitoring. However, the widespread deployment of these sensors raises major issues about data security and privacy. This chapter deliberates on blockchain technology which can enhance the security and privacy of smart sensor networks. Traditional centralized data storage and processing in smart sensor domains are susceptible to innumerable intimidations, including data tampering, illegal entrée, and single points of failure. Blockchain, known for its decentralized, tamper-resistant, and transparent ledger, provides a promising alternative for securing data in such networks. This chapter discusses how blockchain technology can be integrated into smart sensor networks to improve security and privacy. It also explains the key concepts of blockchain, such as distributed ledger, cryptographic hashing, and consensus algorithms, and how these elements contribute to enhancing security. Furthermore, it examines the potential of smart contracts for automating security policies within the sensor network. Privacy in smart sensor networks is also a paramount concern, particularly when dealing with sensitive data. The chapter discusses techniques like zero-knowledge proofs and private transactions in blockchain to address privacy issues. It discusses the balance between data transparency and privacy, providing information about achieving the desired level of anonymity while maintaining data integrity. This chapter highlights real-world use cases and applications of blockchain in smart sensor networks, such as logistics, healthcare data sharing, and environmental monitoring. It also discusses the issues and confines accompanying blockchain integration, including growth challenges and energy consumption issues.