Design of blockchain-based secure and privacy-preserving mutual authentication protocols

Abstract

Mobile devices have seamlessly integrated into our everyday routines, offering access to an extensive range of applications and services encompassing communication, ecommerce, social networking, and location-based services. However, with this convenience comes the risk of privacy and security threats. Mobile devices are susceptible to security threats as they depend on open channels for transmitting data through radio waves. Adversaries can exploit this vulnerability to launch attacks such as eavesdropping, masquerading, and tampering, leading to financial losses and information leakage. Therefore, safeguarding the processes of authentication, maintaining data confidentiality, and the preservation of data integrity becomes crucial. Furthermore, authentication is the procedure for verifying a claimed identity and is critical in the context of global mobile networks. This is especially crucial as users necessitate uninterrupted and secure roaming services across various foreign agents. Developing a reliable and anonymous authentication protocol that safeguards user privacy poses a considerable challenge. Mutual authentication, which verifies the identity of all communication entities, is essential to mitigate network threats when mobile users are unaware of attackers or third parties.