Defining the Future of IoT with Distributed Identity Management
IoT systems come in many forms – from smart homes to autonomous warehouses to high-fidelity adaptive production systems. The widespread application of IoT devices makes them an attractive target for cyber-attacks.
In many cases, the problem underpinning IoT network security resembles the classic blockchain business case: to create trust in a trustless environment.
The Scenario: Vaccine Logistics
We consider the fictitious logistics company VirGo, which has won a government contract to deliver COVID-19 vaccines. VirGo relies on smart temperature and location sensors to safeguard the cooling chain and operates various regional secure warehouses.
IoT Network Challenges
Compared to conventional IT infrastructure, IoT networks connect many distinctly different devices, almost exclusively wirelessly, and the devices are technologically constrained and not easily upgradeable.
False or falsified data, correct data from the wrong device, or incomplete data could immediately endanger vaccine safety.
Network Design Requirements
A secure IoT system must ensure access control, system availability, protection from message alteration and identity spoofing, protection from eavesdropping, an audit trail, simplified device management, and device interoperability.
The network must provide availability, scalability, message integrity, identity, mutual authentication, and confidentiality.
Read Part 2 to discover how different network architectures can meet these requirements.