Utilizing Blockchain Technology to Enhance Smart Home Security and Privacy

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged rapidly in the field of smart home automation. However, the short battery life, low processing power, and limited memory of IoT technology result in limited fault lines. According to the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) report, approximately 70% of IoT devices are vulnerable. However, it can also be easily hacked and exploited. By utilizing blockchain technology, the fragile structure of IoT can be made more robust and reliable by tackling its vulnerable nature. The study aims to assess the security of blockchain technology by launching a predetermined attack on the MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE (MITM) in a smart home environment. This testing attack is intended to prevent various threats and make the system more reliable and secure. Several tests have been conducted to determine whether the indigenous IoT protocol (MQTT) is more secure than blockchain technology. As a result, the MQTT protocol was replaced with the blockchain protocol in this study. This study examined Hyperledger, which is associated with the Chaincode, among the various blockchain platforms. Three IoT systems have been assessed for security by simulating Man in the Middle attacks and examining their security features. Our results show that the blockchain is more secure for IoT systems compared with MQTT protocols.