An Approach for Decentralized Authentication in Networks of UAVs

TL;DR

This paper introduces a decentralized authentication system for UAV networks using blockchain technology, enabling secure, independent operation and authentication of entities without relying on constant internet access.

Contribution

It presents a novel blockchain-based public key infrastructure tailored for UAV networks, supporting decentralized authentication and offline operation.

Findings

Blockchain enables secure public key management for UAVs.

UAVs can authenticate entities without internet access.

The system enhances security and independence in UAV networks.

Abstract

We propose a decentralized authentication system for networks of unmanned aerial vehicles. A blockchain-based public key infrastructure allows the usage of public key cryptography and public key based authentication protocols. The blockchain provides a common storage of the public keys and their relations and can provide the required information for the authentication process. Furthermore, the unmanned aerial vehicles store selected parts of the blockchain in order to operate independently in areas where they might not have access to the Internet. This allows unmanned aerial vehicles to authenticate entities of the network, like other unmanned aerial vehicles, cloud services, cars, and any computer.