Blockchain-Based Decentralized Identification in IoT: An Overview of Existing Frameworks and Their Limitations

Abstract

The popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) has caused a rapid increase in connected entities and exposed its lack of adequate Identity Management (IdM). Traditional IdM systems are highly dependent on central authorities; any failure can potentially compromise the entire system. To eliminate the drawback of central authorities and evolve IdM systems to meet increasingly stringent security requirements, the Decentralized Identification approach has been proposed. This approach often relies on blockchain technology to provide a secure and tamper-proof method of managing and verifying identities. Therefore, this article investigates the capabilities of blockchain-based decentralized identification for the IoT domain, with an emphasis on the heterogeneity of online devices. It describes a number of features and specifications of decentralized identification with a specific focus on Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), a model in which entities own their identities. The article concludes with a discussion of technical aspects as well as potential obstacles and constraints to the implementation of decentralized identification in the context of the Internet of Things.