A Blockchain-Based Secure Image Encryption Scheme for the Industrial Internet of Things.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Cryptography

Background:

• Smart cameras and image sensors are crucial in industrial processes but face privacy risks in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
• Traditional security methods are insufficient in IIoT due to third-party involvement.
• Blockchain technology offers a decentralized solution for trust and security.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel permissioned private blockchain-based solution for securing and encrypting industrial images.
• To enhance data privacy and security within the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environment.
• To evaluate the robustness of the proposed image encryption algorithm against differential attacks.

Main Methods:

• Developed a permissioned private blockchain framework to store encrypted image pixel data.
• Implemented an image encryption algorithm focusing on cryptographic pixel value transformation.
• Assessed encryption strength using metrics like Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR), Unified Averaged Changed Intensity (UACI), and information entropy analysis.

Main Results:

• The proposed encryption algorithm achieved information entropy values close to the ideal value of 8, indicating resistance to brute-force attacks.
• Analysis using NPCR and UACI demonstrated the algorithm's effectiveness in resisting differential attacks.
• The blockchain-based scheme proved highly effective in preventing data leakage and ensuring image data security.

Conclusions:

• The proposed blockchain-based image encryption scheme provides a robust solution for securing sensitive industrial image data in IIoT environments.
• The cryptographic approach ensures data privacy and integrity, mitigating risks associated with data disclosure.
• The system effectively addresses trust issues by minimizing third-party reliance, enhancing overall industrial cybersecurity.