IoT Device Identity and Access Management

Glossary

Term DefinitionsAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES)A symmetric key block cipher that uses a block size of 128 bits and a cryptographic key. An algorithm uses the logical steps for a computer to solve a problem.American National Standards Institute (ANSI)An organization that develops standards for programming languages, electrical specifications, communications protocols, etc.Application LayerThe seventh layer in the TCP/IP model: provides access to network services.Asymmetric Key CryptographyA cryptographic technique that uses two different keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Asymmetric key cryptography uses a public key for encryption.BitAbbreviation for binary digits. In computers, the basic unit of storage that has a value of either 0 or 1.BlockchainA distributed digital ledger consisting of cryptographically signed transactions that are grouped into blocks. Each block, after verification and consensus decision, is cryptographically linked to the previous block (making it tamper-proof). As new blocks are added, older blocks become more difficult to modify (creating an immutable audit trail).CompilerSystem software that converts source programs into executable object code: traditionally associated with high-level languages. Computer language Any syntactic language used to write programs for a computer, such as machine language, assembly language, C, COBOL, and FORTRAN. Confidentiality A security goal that defines policies, procedures, and controls to protect information from unauthorized disclosure. Database An organized collection of information. Database Management System (DBMS) A program or set of programs that manipulate a database. Database Model A model that defines the logical design of the data. Decryption Undoes the encryption process and makes the message readable. Digital Signature A method used to authenticate the sender of a message and maintain the integrity of its data. Distributed Database A database where data is stored on multiple computers. Encryption converts a message into an unreadable form unless decrypted. Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) Read-only memory that can be programmed. Erasing an EPROM requires removing it from the computer. Hash Chain An append-only data structure in which data is bundled into blocks that include the hash value of the previous block's data in the latest block. This data structure provides tamper-evidence because any modification to a block changes the hash digest of subsequent blocks' records. Hash Digest The output of a hash function (e.g., SHA-512/hash(data) digest). IOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. for use exclusively with its hardware. It is the operating system that currently powers many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. ledger A collection of transactions recorded in chronological order. integrated circuit A collection of transistors, wires, and other components on a single chip. I2C Inter-Integrated Circuit Bus, abbreviated I2C, is a serial bus short-distance protocol developed by Philips. Internet of Things (IoT) A network of physical devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, embedded systems) that are interconnected via the Internet. Internet A global network using the TCP/IP protocol suite. ledger A record of transactions. Linux An operating system developed by Linus Torvalds to improve the efficiency of UNIX when running on Intel microprocessors. MAC address A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier for a network interface controller. microcontroller (MC) A small computer contained on an integrated circuit used to control embedded systems. message digest A short, fixed-length representation of a message generated using a hash function. microprocessor A central processing unit (CPU) contained on one or more integrated circuits. private key One of a pair of keys in public key cryptography that is kept secret from the public. Private key cryptography uses a private key to perform encryption. Public key One of a pair of keys in public key cryptography that is exposed to the public. Public key cryptography A method of encryption that uses two keys, a private key and a public key. The private key is kept secret and the public key is made public. Public key certificate A certificate that binds an entity to its public key. Public key infrastructure (PKI) A system of processes, technologies, and policies that allow you to encrypt and sign data. You can issue digital certificates to verify the identity of a user, device, or service. Smart contract A set of code and data (sometimes called functions and state) deployed on a blockchain network, using cryptographically signed transactions. Smart contracts are executed by nodes in a blockchain network; all nodes must arrive at the same execution result, which is recorded on the blockchain. Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) A hash algorithm used in many blockchain technologies with an output size of 256 bits (SHA-256). Many computers support this algorithm in hardware, making it fast to compute. SHA-512 is a cryptographic hash function designed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA). The transaction hash SHA-512 is shown in step 5 as a 128-bit long hexadecimal number, generating a 512-bit (64-byte) hash value; which matches the transaction hash of the central server database 104, where the confirmation is verified, meaning that the smartphone 386 has been registered. Blockchain technology takes a list of transactions and creates a hash fingerprint, where the digest is the fingerprint of the list. Structured Query Language (SQL) A database language that contains statements for database definition, operation, and control. Sub-algorithm A portion of an algorithm that is written independently and executed when called from within an algorithm. Symmetric key cryptography A cryptographic technique in which a single key is used for encryption and decryption. Symmetric key cryptography uses symmetric key cryptography for encryption. TCP/IP protocol suite A five-layer protocol suite that defines transmission exchanges on the Internet. Transactions record information about the transfer of assets (digital currency, inventory units, etc.) between parties. Zero-knowledge authentication The claimant does not reveal any information that could compromise the confidentiality of their secret. The claimant proves to the verifier that they know a secret without revealing the secret. Zero-knowledge proofA protocol between two parties where one party, called the prover, tries to prove a certain fact to the other party, called the verifier. This concept is used for identification and authentication. Quiz

**Instructions:** Briefly answer the following questions.

What role do AES and SEA play in IoT device security?

How does point-to-point encryption (P2PE) enhance the security of IoT devices?

What role does identity access management (IAM) play in the IoT ecosystem?

How is zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) used for IoT device authentication?

How is public key infrastructure (PKI) used for IoT device authentication and authorization?

What is blockchain? How is it used to enhance the security of IoT devices?

What is a smart contract? How is it used in the IoT ecosystem?

What responsibilities does the central server have in the context of IoT device security?

What is a hash digest? How is it used in IoT device security?

What role does the random coefficient time base play in the switch between MC (A) and MC (B)?

Answer

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and SEA (Strong Encryption Algorithm) are encryption algorithms used to encrypt data transmitted between IoT devices and servers, preventing unauthorized access and data leakage.

Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) ensures that data is encrypted throughout the transmission process from IoT devices to authorized servers, thereby reducing the risk of data being intercepted or leaked during transmission.

IAM (Identity Access Management) provides a way to centrally manage IoT device access rights and credentials, ensuring that only authorized devices can access the network and perform operations.

Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) allows IoT devices to prove their identity without revealing their private keys or any sensitive information, thereby enhancing security and preventing identity theft.

PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) provides a framework for securely managing and issuing digital certificates, which are used to verify the identity of IoT devices and establish secure communication channels.

Blockchain is a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger that can be used to securely record IoT device interactions, providing a transparent, auditable transaction history.

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts stored on the blockchain that can automate interactions between IoT devices, such as automatically executing agreements and ensuring secure transactions.

The central server acts as the central hub of the IoT ecosystem and is responsible for managing device registration, authentication, data storage, and overall network management.

A hash digest is a unique and fixed-size representation of data that is used to verify the integrity of IoT device data and ensure that the data has not been tampered with during transmission or storage.

The random coefficient time base is used to create an unpredictable switching pattern between MC (A) and MC (B), which enhances the security of communication between devices by introducing randomness.

Essay Question

**Instructions:** Answer the following question in a short essay.

Discuss how P2PE, IAM, and blockchain technologies work together to create a secure IoT ecosystem.

Explain the role of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in IoT device authentication. What advantages does ZKP provide over traditional authentication methods?

Analyze the advantages of using AES-SEA 512-bit key encryption in IoT devices. Discuss how this method improves data security and reduces the risk of vulnerabilities.

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using a central server in an IoT ecosystem. Discuss the impact of a centralized architecture on scalability, single points of failure, and data privacy.

Analyze the challenges facing IoT security. Discuss how emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and edge computing can be used to address these challenges and enhance the overall security of IoT devices.