Title: Blockchain in the IoT: security, applications, technologies, and challenges

Authors: Mahd M. Alzoubi

Addresses: Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Building 4, Office 436B, Pensacola, FL, 32514, USA

Abstract: This paper explores the potential of blockchain technology to enhance the security and trust of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. It identifies key challenges faced by IoT applications, such as data privacy, security, and interoperability. The paper then analyses how blockchain's characteristics, including decentralisation, immutability, and transparency, offer solutions to these challenges. It highlights how blockchain can secure data transactions, automate device authentication, and ensure data integrity, addressing critical IoT vulnerabilities. However, the paper acknowledges the complexities of integrating blockchain and IoT (BCIoT), including scalability limitations, energy consumption concerns, and the need for interoperability across diverse platforms. Additionally, regulatory considerations surrounding blockchain's decentralised nature are discussed. The paper concludes by emphasising the contribution of this research in providing a comprehensive analysis of blockchain's potential to secure, streamline, and manage IoT applications, paving the way for their secure and efficient integration.

Keywords: blockchain; IoT; security; smart contracts; consensus algorithms: privacy; trust.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2024.140162

International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies, 2024 Vol.5 No.1, pp.14 - 43

Received: 15 Nov 2023
Accepted: 04 Mar 2024
Published online: 26 Jul 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article