A Resource-Aware Authenticity Model for Secure Propagation of SystemLevel Updates in IoT Ecosystems

Abstract

The rapid progression of the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly transformed how interconnected devices operate, exchange information, and enable automation across various domains. Although introduced in the late 20th century, IoT builds upon earlier advancements such as embedded systems, wireless communication, and standardized networking protocols. In its early stages, IoT systems relied heavily on centralized infrastructures for managing operations, particularly software updates, due to limited device capabilities. Traditional update mechanisms, including centralized servers and Over-The-Air (OTA) approaches, introduced critical challenges such as single points of failure, vulnerability to cyber threats, poor scalability, and lack of transparency in verification processes. As IoT ecosystems continue to expand, these issues increasingly affect system reliability and data integrity, highlighting the need for a decentralized and secure update management approach. To address these limitations, the proposed system integrates blockchain technology with InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to establish a distributed, tamper-resistant framework for managing updates. Ethereum-based smart contracts are used to handle user registration, maintain update records, and process transactions in a transparent and immutable manner. For enhanced security, the system utilizes Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme (ECIES) combined with Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption (CP-ABE) to safeguard update content, which is then stored in IPFS using content-addressed storage for decentralized access. A Django-based web interface enables smooth interaction for users, while a Tkinter-based simulation environment models IoT device behavior and update dissemination guided by blockchain data. By removing centralized dependencies and incorporating secure, verifiable processes, the system improves reliability, trust, and scalability, aligning with modern trends in decentralized IoT architectures.