Securing IoT Networks through Blockchain-Based Decentralized Access Control Mechanisms

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized various sectors, from healthcare to smart cities, by enabling interconnectivity among devices and facilitating seamless data exchange. However, this vast network of interconnected devices presents substantial security challenges, particularly concerning data integrity, privacy, and unauthorized access. Traditional centralized access control models are increasingly proving inadequate for securing IoT environments due to their single points of failure and scalability issues. This paper proposes a blockchain-based decentralized access control mechanism for securing IoT networks. By leveraging the inherent characteristics of blockchain—immutability, transparency, and decentralization—the proposed framework aims to enhance the security and reliability of IoT ecosystems. This research explores the integration of smart contracts, consensus algorithms, and cryptographic techniques to create a robust access control model that mitigates potential threats and vulnerabilities in IoT networks.