Blockchain-enabled access control to prevent cyber attacks in IoT: Systematic literature review

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Network Engineering

Background:

• Internet of Things (IoT) systems face significant security and privacy challenges due to resource-constrained devices and centralized access control vulnerabilities.
• Conventional access control models in IoT suffer from scalability issues and single points of failure, increasing susceptibility to cyber attacks.
• Emerging technologies like blockchain offer decentralized and immutable solutions to enhance IoT security and privacy.

Approach:

• This study systematically reviews current research on blockchain-enabled secure access control mechanisms for IoT environments.
• It analyzes the application of blockchain properties, including decentralization, immutability, and transparency, in mitigating IoT security risks.
• The research identifies frequently utilized blockchain platforms and smart contract applications for access control in IoT.

Key Points:

• Blockchain's inherent properties provide robust security, integrity, and auditability for IoT access control without relying on central authorities.
• Smart contracts, particularly on platforms like Ethereum, enable automated and secure execution of access control policies in decentralized IoT networks.
• The review highlights the potential of blockchain to overcome traditional IoT access control limitations, preventing various cyber attacks.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain-based access control presents a promising paradigm for securing the Internet of Things against evolving cyber threats.
• Further research is needed to address obstacles in implementing decentralized access control solutions for large-scale IoT systems.
• This work serves as a foundational reference for researchers exploring blockchain applications in IoT security.