Application of Blockchain Frameworks for Decentralized Identity and Access Management of IoT Devices

TL;DR

This paper proposes a blockchain-based decentralized identity management framework for IoT devices, enhancing security, privacy, and user control by leveraging Hyperledger Fabric and DIDs, validated through simulation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel decentralized identity management system for IoT using blockchain technology, specifically Hyperledger Fabric and DIDs, with practical implementation and validation.

Findings

Improved data integrity and transparency in IoT data streams.

Enhanced user control over IoT device access and data.

Reduced reliance on centralized authorities for identity management.

Abstract

The growth in IoT devices means an ongoing risk of data vulnerability. The transition from centralized ecosystems to decentralized ecosystems is of paramount importance due to security, privacy, and data use concerns. Since the majority of IoT devices will be used by consumers in peer-to-peer applications, a centralized approach raises many issues of trust related to privacy, control, and censorship. Identity and access management lies at the heart of any user-facing system. Blockchain technologies can be leveraged to augment user authority, transparency, and decentralization. This study proposes a decentralized identity management framework for IoT environments using Hyperledger Fabric and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs). The system was simulated using Node-RED to model IoT data streams, and key functionalities including device onboarding, authentication, and secure asset querying were successfully implemented. Results demonstrated improved data integrity, transparency, and user control, with reduced reliance on centralized authorities. These findings validate the practicality of blockchain-based identity management in enhancing the security and trustworthiness of IoT infrastructures.