Game Theory-Based Authentication Framework to Secure Internet of Vehicles with Blockchain

Area of Science:

• Cybersecurity
• Network Security
• Blockchain Technology

Background:

• The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) offers advanced connectivity but faces significant security challenges due to its open and self-organizing nature.
• Existing authentication mechanisms in IoVs are vulnerable to various malicious attacks, including physical cloning and side-channel attacks.
• The inherent openness and self-organizing characteristics of IoVs make them susceptible to malevolent activities, necessitating robust security solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel blockchain-enabled game theory-based authentication mechanism for securing Internet of Vehicles (IoV).
• To address the limitations of current IoV security solutions by incorporating Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and dynamic Proof-of-Work (dPoW).
• To enhance IoV security by providing a robust defense against physical cloning and side-channel attacks, alongside other common threats.

Main Methods:

• Development of a three-layer multi-trusted authorization solution for seamless vehicle authentication.
• Integration of Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) for initial authentication and duel gaming for continuous verification.
• Implementation of a dynamic Proof-of-Work (dPoW) consensus mechanism within a blockchain framework.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework demonstrates superior security and functionality compared to existing solutions.
• Achieved lower transaction and computation overhead, enhancing efficiency in IoV networks.
• Successfully handled physical cloning and side-channel attacks, which were not addressed by previous methods.

Conclusions:

• The blockchain-enabled game theory-based authentication mechanism provides a secure and efficient solution for IoVs.
• The framework's efficacy is validated through formal/informal security analyses, mathematical proofs, and a practical blockchain implementation.
• This approach offers a significant advancement in IoV security, addressing critical vulnerabilities and improving overall network integrity.