Blockchain mechanisms for IoT security

The deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) results in an enlarged attack surface that requires end-to-end security mitigation. IoT applications range from mission-critical predicaments (e.g., Smart Grid, Intelligent Transportation Systems, video surveillance, e-health) to business-oriented applications (e.g., banking, logistics, insurance, and contract law). There is a need for comprehensive support of security in the IoT, especially for mission-critical applications, but also for the down-stream business applications. A number of security techniques and approaches have been proposed and/or utilized. Blockchain mechanisms (BCMs) play a role in securing many IoT-oriented applications by becoming part of a security mosaic, in the context of a defenses-in-depth/Castle Approach. A blockchain is a database that stores all processed transactions - or data - in chronological order, in a set of computer memories that are tamperproof to adversaries. These transactions are then shared by all participating users. Information is stored and/or published as a public ledger that is infeasible to modify; every user or node in the system retains the same ledger as all other users or nodes in the network. This paper highlights some IoT environments where BCMs play an important role, while at the same time pointing out that BCMs are only part of the IoT Security (IoTSec) solution. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.