Blockchain Cross-Entity Authentication Study Guide

Blockchain Cross-Entity Authentication Study Guide

Glossary

Term DefinitionsBlockchain A decentralized distributed ledger that records transaction data and guarantees its security and immutability through cryptography. Blockchain Transaction An operation that transfers value or interacts with contracts in a blockchain network. Smart Contract A computer program that is stored on a blockchain and automatically executed under certain conditions. Decentralized Identifier (DID) A new network identifier used to identify an entity (such as an individual, organization, or device). It is independent of any centralized authority and is controlled by the entity itself. DID Document A document associated with a DID that contains the metadata, public key, and other related information of the DID. Verifiable Credential (VC) A digital credential that is signed using cryptography to ensure its authenticity and integrity. DID Method A specific mechanism or protocol for creating, resolving, and managing DIDs. Resolver A software or service used to query and retrieve DID documents based on a DID. Key Management System (KMS) A system for generating, storing, and managing cryptographic keys. Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)A hardware component that provides a secure isolated execution environment. Software Development Kit (SDK)Provides a set of tools and libraries so that developers can more easily build applications that integrate with a specific platform or service. Blockchain as a Service (BaaS)A cloud computing service model that allows customers or developers to outsource blockchain-related backend aspects. AgentA software program or service that performs operations on behalf of a user or entity. Short Answer Questions

What is a decentralized identifier (DID)? How is it different from traditional identity methods?

Decentralized identifier (DID) is a new type of network identifier used to identify entities. Unlike traditional identity methods (such as usernames and email addresses), DIDs are independent of any centralized authority and are controlled by the entity itself. Entities can use DIDs to manage and share their identity information without relying on third parties.

What is a verifiable credential (VC)? How does it work with DIDs?

A verifiable credential (VC) is a digital credential that is signed using cryptographic technology to ensure its authenticity and integrity. VC can be used to represent various information, such as identity certificates, academic certificates, qualification certificates, etc. VC is used in conjunction with DID to allow entities to issue and verify VC through their DID, thereby achieving trusted information sharing.

Please explain how blockchain technology can be used for cross-entity authentication.

Blockchain technology can facilitate cross-entity authentication by providing a decentralized, secure and transparent platform. Entities can create and manage their DIDs on the blockchain and use DIDs to issue and verify VCs. Due to the immutability of the blockchain, the cross-entity authentication process is more secure and reliable.

In this document, what is a user agent? What role does it play?

In this document, a user agent refers to a software program or service that interacts with the blockchain and other systems on behalf of a user. A user agent can help users create and manage DIDs, store and manage VCs, and perform other operations related to DIDs and VCs.

In this document, what is an issuer agent? How does it differ from a verifier agent?

In this document, Issuer Agent is a software program or service that issues VCs on behalf of the issuer of a VC. Verifier Agent is a software program or service that verifies the authenticity and validity of a VC on behalf of the verifier of a VC.

Explain the purpose and content of a DID document.

A DID document is a document associated with a DID that contains metadata, public keys, and other related information about the DID. The purpose of a DID document is to provide detailed information about a DID so that other entities can verify the authenticity of the DID and interact with the owner of the DID.

In this document, what is a DID Authentication Challenge? How does it work?

In this document, a DID Authentication Challenge is a mechanism used to verify that an entity has control over a DID. In a DID Authentication Challenge, a verifier sends a challenge request to an entity that claims to own a DID. The entity needs to sign the challenge request using the private key associated with the DID and return the signature result to the verifier. The verifier can confirm whether the entity has control over the DID by verifying the signature.

Describe the steps to create a new decentralized identifier.

The steps to create a new decentralized identifier generally include: generating a new key pair, building a DID document, publishing the DID document to the system specified by the DID method, and registering the mapping relationship between the DID and other identity information when necessary.

Explain how to verify verifiable credentials using blockchain.

To verify verifiable credentials using blockchain, you first need to verify whether the signature of the VC is valid. Then, you need to check whether the status of the VC is valid, such as whether it has expired or been revoked. Finally, you can check whether the information contained in the VC meets specific requirements as needed.

In this document, what is cross-entity authentication? How is it implemented?

In this document, cross-entity authentication refers to an entity allowing users to access its services using authentication information registered with another entity. It is implemented through DID and VC technology. A user can register with one entity and obtain a DID and corresponding VC, and then use that DID and VC to access another entity's services without registering again.

Essay Questions

Compare and contrast traditional identity authentication systems and blockchain-based DID/VC systems, focusing on differences in security, privacy, and user control.

Explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing DID/VC systems in the healthcare industry. Consider aspects such as patient data management, medical record sharing, and identity authentication.

Analyze how DID/VC systems can help combat online fraud and identity theft.

Discuss the benefits of using DID/VC systems in supply chain management, especially in terms of increased transparency, traceability, and accountability.

Explain how blockchain-based DID/VC systems work from a technical perspective. Include key components such as DID methods, blockchain networks, smart contracts, and cryptography.