ABSTRACT
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we interact with the world around us, connecting devices and enabling them to communicate and share data. However, this increased connectivity also presents security and privacy challenges. Blockchain technology, originally developed for digital currencies, offers a decentralized and secure way to store and share data. Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger system that allows data to be stored in a decentralized and secure manner. The fundamental features of blockchain technology—such as immutability, transparency, and consensus—make it well suited for addressing the security and privacy challenges in IoT. For instance, by using blockchain technology in supply chain management (SCM), businesses can create a tamper-proof record of the movement of goods and ensure that only authorized parties have access to this information. Similarly, in healthcare, blockchain technology can enable secure sharing of patient data across different healthcare providers while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. However, there are also several challenges and limitations to using blockchain technology in IoT—such as scalability, interoperability, and high transaction costs—which need to be addressed to realize the full potential of this technology in IoT system. In this chapter, we explore the potential role of blockchain technology in addressing the challenges of IoT security and privacy. We begin by examining the fundamental characteristics of blockchain technology and how it can be applied in IoT systems. We then delve into several use cases showing how blockchain technology can enhance the security and privacy of IoT systems, such as SCM, healthcare, and energy management. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of using blockchain technology in IoT, as well as potential future directions for research and development in this area. Overall, this chapter provides insights into the potential benefits of using blockchain technology in IoT and highlights the importance of considering security and privacy in the design of IoT systems.
