Blockchain secure naming and update verification

Keyword list

Term definitionBlockchainA secure, decentralized, append-only ledger for recording transactions. BlockA single record in a blockchain that contains multiple transactions. Transactions are recorded on a blockchain and are used to transfer digital assets or record immutable records of information. HashAn algorithm that converts input data of arbitrary length into output data of fixed length. Verifiable keyA key used to verify the integrity of digital information, such as a hash value. Digital informationInformation registered by an update server, such as a software update or a name. Update serverA server that acts as a partially trusted intermediary that allows verifiable keys to be written to the blockchain and enables endpoint devices to verify digital information. Endpoint deviceA device that receives and verifies digital information, such as an IoT device. Index treeA tree-like data structure used by update servers to store and access blockchain information. Operation logAn ordered list of operations associated with a specific software package that is used to verify the authenticity of its registration information and updates in an update server. Identity scriptA script that defines the number of signatures (e.g., quorum) required to authorize future updates. Permission thresholdThe number of signatures that need to be met to authorize an update to an identity script. Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) An output of a transaction that can be used as an input for subsequent transactions. Verifiable Random Function A random function that requires a private key to compute and can be publicly verified. Namespace Administrator A server that manages a namespace with one or more names. Name Binding The process of mapping a name to a corresponding log of operations. Merkle Tree A tree-like data structure in which each non-leaf node is the hash of its child nodes. Merkle Branch A sequence of hash values on the path from a leaf node to the root node of a Merkle tree that is used to verify that a transaction exists in a block. SPV (Simple Payment Verification) A method that allows lightweight clients to verify that a transaction is included in the blockchain. Short Answer Question

How can blockchain be used to provide secure software updates?

Blockchain can provide secure software updates by acting as a tamper-proof record, where the hash of the software update is stored. Endpoint devices can independently compute the hash of the software update and compare it to the hash stored in the blockchain to verify its integrity.

What role does an update server play in a secure update system?

An update server acts as an intermediary between developers and endpoint devices. It is responsible for registering software updates and their corresponding hashes to the blockchain, as well as managing an index tree to facilitate access to blockchain information.

What is a verifiable key and how is it used?

A verifiable key (e.g., a hash value) is used to verify the integrity of digital information. The update server generates a verifiable key and stores it in the blockchain along with the digital information. The endpoint device can then use this key to verify that the information it received has not been tampered with.

What is an identity script and what role does it play in a secure update system?

An identity script defines the number of signatures (e.g., a quorum) required to authorize future updates to a specific software package. This mechanism ensures that only authorized personnel can modify the software.

What is an index tree and what role does it play in a secure update system?

An index tree is a data structure that allows the update server to efficiently store and retrieve information related to blockchain transactions. It does this by sorting the registration information using the hash of the package name and by linking chains of updates.

What is an operation log and what role does it play in a secure update system?

An operation log is an ordered list of operations associated with a specific software package that is used to verify the authenticity of its registration and update in the update server. Endpoint devices can use the operation log to verify the integrity of the software package.

How do endpoint devices verify the integrity of software updates?

The endpoint device verifies the integrity of software updates by independently computing a hash of the software update and comparing it to the hash stored in the blockchain. It also verifies the authenticity of the update by checking the cryptographic proof provided in the operation log.

What is a verifiable random function and what role does it play in a secure naming system?

A verifiable random function is a random function that requires a private key to compute and can be publicly verified. In a secure naming system, it is used to generate an index from a name, which can be used to look up the corresponding name binding information in the index tree.

How do endpoint devices verify the validity of a name binding in a secure naming system?

The endpoint device receives a verifiable random function provided by the namespace administrator and uses it to derive the index of a specific node associated with the queried name. It then verifies the proof of existence of that index and checks that the name binding is valid by comparing the hash values.

What are the main benefits of the underlying blockchain technology used in secure updates and secure naming systems?

These systems leverage the tamper-proof, transparent, and decentralized nature of blockchain. These features help ensure the integrity and authenticity of software updates and name bindings while reducing the need for centralized authority.