Materials Today: Proceedings 56 (2022) 3312–3316

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Materials Today: Proceedings

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/matpr

A review on investigating the role of block-chain in cyber security

Bharat Kumar Aggarwal, Ankur Gupta ⇑, Deepak Goyal, Pankaj Gupta, Bijender Bansal, Dheer Dhwaj Barak
Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering, Vaish College of Engineering, Rohtak, Haryana, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: In the issue of cyber security, block-chain, which is best known for crypto currencies, is providing an
Available online 30 October 2021 interesting answer. Block-chain has excellent safeguards against information manipulation. It supports
securing access to Internet of Things (IOT) devices. Furthermore, it enables hacked IOT network instru-
Keywords: ments to be closed and unplugged. Block-chain serves as a distributed ledger system. It is used in con-
IOT junction with IOT to enable machine-to-machine interactions. It makes use of a database that contains
Block-chain a collection of transactions. These transactions are double-checked and recorded in a central ledger.
Cyber Security
On each node, these ledgers have been deployed. The idea of block chain is discussed in conjunction with
Distributed ledger
the Internet of Things in this research study. Several studies in the fields of block-chain and IOT are con-
sidered in this paper. The necessity for block-chain and its development have been discussed in terms of
its applicability difficulties. In addition, the significance of block chain in IOT-based research for online
transaction security is examined.
Copyright Ó 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the First International Con-
ference on Design and Materials (ICDM)-2021

1. Introduction
Block-chain [1], which is best known for crypto currency, is
offering an intriguing solution to the problem of cyber security.
Block-chain provides great protection against data tampering. It
aids with the protection of Internet of Things (IOT) devices in dis-
tributed environment [2]. It also allows for the closure and unplug-
ging of compromised IOT network devices. A distributed ledger
system is what block-chain is. It’s used in combination with the
Internet of Things to allow machine-to-machine communication.
It works with a database that includes a set of transactions. These
transactions are triple-checked before being entered into a central
ledger. These ledgers have been installed on each node. In this
research study, the concept of block chain is explored in connec-
tion with the Internet of Things. This article considers a number
of researches in the areas of block-chain and IOT. The importance
of block-chain and its development has been debated in terms of
its application challenges. The importance of block chain in
IOT-based research [3] for online transaction security is also
investigated (Figs. 1–3).
Users are hearing the term ‘‘block-chain technology” a lot over
the last several years, particularly in relation to crypto currencies
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: ankurdujana@gmail.com (A. Gupta).
like Bit-coin. The name ‘‘block chain” was coined as a result of
the technical arrangement ‘‘chain block.” It implies that each block
is linked with the block before it. According to a thematic research
study published by Global Data, demand for crypto currencies
decreased by 20% in 2018 compared to previous years. The main
cause of this drop is because businesses are using traditional meth-
ods in the early stages of their initiatives instead using ‘‘Block-
chain technology.”
1.1. Block-chain technology
It occurs in the form of technology that has compiled common
account information across many records. This data is recognized
as a block of information [4]. The term ‘‘chain” is used to describe
these data. These records are gathered in a structure that is linked
by comparable nodes. Normally, this accumulation is referred to as
a ‘‘digital ledger.” All of the data in this digital ledger is very secure.
This digital ledger is nearly identical [5] to a Google spreadsheet. It
is shared among a group of computers inside a building. Transac-
tional information is gathered in this spreadsheet based on real
transactions. One of the most intriguing aspects is that information
may now be seen by anybody, yet it cannot be modified. The great
security of Block-chain [6] is one of its strongest features. It is
impossible to change information linked to other bank accounts

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.10.124
2214-7853/Copyright Ó 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the First International Conference on Design and Materials (ICDM)-2021
Bharat Kumar Aggarwal, A. Gupta, D. Goyal et al.
Fig. 1. Working of block-chain.
Fig. 2. Block-chain and Internet of things.
Fig. 3. Benefits of Block-chain with IOT [21].
without a specific digital signature. Furthermore, block chain sup-
ports a decentralized system as well as the capacity to automate.
1.2. Working of block-chain technology
Businesses have been seeing that Block-chain technology is
being used in the past several years. There is need to consider
the working of block chain and need of block chain. Because
Block-chain based development is at its initial stage. It is having
potential to be revolutionary [7] in the future. Block-chain is a
hybridization of three mechanisms:
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1. Encryption Key
2. P2P network having distributed ledger.
3. Mechanism to accumulating network [6] transactional data via
computation.
1.3. Role of Block-chain in cyber security
Block-chain (BC) is the most recent technology to emerge from
the IOT [8]. It has been utilized in conjunction with a real-time led-
ger to store transactions in the midst of IOT nodes. Block Chain
transactions have become the main units for data translation
between IOT nodes. Devices that can interact with other IOT nodes
are known as IOT nodes. In the Internet of Things, block-chain is
needed for secure communication. It is now possible to track and
investigate transactions that take place inside BC. It is expected
that block Chain would improve IOT [9] communication security.
Year after year, the Internet of Things expands rapidly, yet it faces
security and privacy concerns. Because of the decentralized nature
of IOT devices, it is difficult to use traditional safety measures in
communication between IOT nodes. Block Chain is a kind of tech-
nology that may simply offer security in transactions between IOT
devices [10]. Using a peer-to-peer architecture, the data in the pub-
lic ledger is maintained automatically.
1.4. Need of research
In the area of cyber security, block-chain has provided an inter-
esting answer. It has robust safeguards in place to prevent informa-
tion manipulation. It has the ability to secure Internet of Things
applications [11] at the access level. The block-chain method has
been shown to have compromised instruments that are commonly
utilised in IOT applications. Block may be linked with the Internet
of Things to enable machine-to-machine transactions [12]. Several
block chain applications, including as healthcare, crypto-currency,
Bharat Kumar Aggarwal, A. Gupta, D. Goyal et al.
and network security, operate well on the IOT platform [13].
Block-chain and Internet of Things research is supposed to play sig-
nificant role in improving cyber security.
2. Literature review
Huh, S.et.al [1] wanted to use block-chain technology to man-
age IOT devices in 2017. Since the inception of Bit-coin in the year
2000, this technology has shown itself in the form of sophisticated
technologies. The author has contributed a block chain for use in
the construction of an IOT network. In the existence of this tech-
nology, IOT device management and configuration become feasi-
ble. Controlling keys becomes feasible with the assistance of RSA
public key cryptosystems.
Dorri et al. [2] implemented LSB for the first time in 2019. The
primary motivation for its creation is IOT security and its insignif-
icance. They came up with a multi-stage LSB. It becomes the ideal
option for IOT requirements. Inside smart home settings, LSB is
seen as a major sample in support of larger IOT needs
Dorri et al. [3] investigated smart homes thematically on behalf
of block-chain in 2017, taking into account IOT security and per-
sonal data. Personal information security on the IOT has remained
a great issue, because to the network’s widely distributed class and
breadth. They show their approach in the form of a model inside
the settings of a home automation system. There are three levels
to it. Cloud storage, overlay, and smart home are three examples.
They conducted extensive study in this area, and on the basis of
their findings, they emphasised several duties of a home automa-
tion system.
For the first time in 2018, Minoliet.al [4] demonstrated how
block-chain works in support of IOT security. When the Internet
of Things (IOT) is placed into operation, it creates a magnified cut-
ting face, which requires complete safety attenuation. End-to-end
safety support is mostly required for mission-critical and down-
stream business demands. Various types of safety techniques and
tactics have previously been explored and put into practise.
Block-chain played a major role in making IOT directed demands
safe to operate.
For the purpose of IOT security, Khanet.al [5] reviewed block-
chain technologies as well as unanswered questions in 2018. They
discussed and assessed the most significant safety issues in favour
of IOT. They evaluated and classified the most significant safety
issues based on multi-layer IOT architecture and networking pro-
tocols. They emphasised the need for IOT safety, as well as contin-
uing risks and potential solutions. In addition, we tallied and
plotted the most significant IOT security issues in comparison to
the current solutions that were found in the literature. They
addressed how, in particular, block-chain has become an essential
need for the answers to the most pressing IOT security issues. In
addition, unanswered questions in the area of IOT security were
discovered.
L. Atzori et al. [6] conducted an evaluation on IOT in 2010. The
author discussed IOT in this article. The combination of various
technologies and communications solutions is the main enabler
of this potential Para- 22 dig. 31 Different perspectives on the
Internet of Things paradigm are presented, as well as supporting
technologies. What emerges is that the research community will
continue to confront significant challenges. The most important
of these are discussed in depth.
M. Rouse et al. [7] conducted an evaluation on IOT in 2016. IOT
is a system in which data processing units, automated and electri-
cal equipment, humans, and a variety of other objects are all con-
nected. Each of them is assigned to a UID business. It has the
capacity to transmit information even when there is no human-
to-human or human-to-machine contact.
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In 2017, A.A. Khan et al. [8] focused their attention on the needs,
arrangement, tasks, and future study field of that internet of things
that are created on the basis of understanding communication
methods. They provided an overview of this kind of IOT here. They
also emphasised the practical deployment of such an IOT system.
They investigate the configuration and organisation of such sys-
tems. They also spoke about spectrum-related activities that are
needed to support these systems. Finally, they highlighted unan-
swered issues and future study topics in support of these systems.
F. Akhtar et al. [9] identified white space as a defined perspec-
tive in 2016. Its role in the exploration of potential scope is also
discussed. In general, writers want to clarify white space’s precise
meaning and how it differs from other types of space by analysing
the previously given specifications.
F.A. Alaba et al. [10] conducted a study on internet of things
security in 2017. This research also compares potential IOT secu-
rity risks. The IOT security situation is discussed, along with an
examination of potential threats. This research intends to serve
as a helpful guide to current security risks and weaknesses in the
IOT heterogeneous environment, as well as potential solutions
for enhancing IOT security architecture.
J. Granjal et al. [11] conducted a review of current protocols and
open research problems in the field of internet of things security in
2015. We look at how current methods meet basic security needs
and safeguard IOT communications, as well as the open problems
and strategies for future research in the field.
R. Roman et al. [12] studied key management systems. This sys-
tem has been used in case of sensor networks. The area of research
was internet of things.
J. Granjal et al. [13] responded to the issue of why IP Sec is a fea-
sible choice for wireless sensor networks in 2008. Many problems
must to be resolved before wireless sensor networks can be consid-
ered secure (WSNs). We examine the security and efficiency con-
siderations that cryptographic techniques in WSNs entail, as well
as their use in conjunction with IPv6. The findings demonstrate
that IP Sec-based security architectures are feasible, as well as
pointing to the successful implementation of security architecture
for WSNs.
S. Cirani et al. [14] developed a method for implementing secu-
rity measures in IP-based IOT. This article considered security
issues. Such issues arise when smart objects are deployed. Security
protocols at the network, transport, and application levels are
addressed, as well as lightweight cryptographic algorithms that
may be employed instead of more traditional and demanding ones.
Security issues like key distribution and security bootstrapping are
addressed, as well as application situations like secure data aggre-
gation and service authorisation.
I. Butun and colleagues [15] conducted a study of intrusion
detection systems in wireless sensor networks in 2014. A review
of the state-of-the-art in IDSs suggested for WSNs is given in this
article. To begin, comprehensive information about IDSs is given.
Second, a review of suggested IDSs for MANETs is given, and the
systems’ applicability to WSNs is explored. Finally, suggested IDSs
for WSNs are given. The examination and comparison of each plan,
as well as their benefits and drawbacks, follows. Finally, there are
rules on IDSs that may be relevant to WSNs. Our study concludes
with a discussion of open research questions in the area.
A. Abduvaliyev et al. [16] investigated the critical areas of intru-
sion detection systems in wireless sensor networks in 2013. This
article reviews recently suggested work on IDS in Wireless Sensor
Networks (WSNs) and provides a categorization of different IDS
methods based on the detection techniques used. The primary goal
of the article is to cover the most current advances in this field as
well as to forecast the future path of research so that both general
and specialist readers may benefit significantly.
Bharat Kumar Aggarwal, A. Gupta, D. Goyal et al.
R. Mitchell et al. [17] reviewed and surveyed intrusion detection
in wireless network applications in 2014. Based on the target wire-
less network, detection method, collection procedure, trust model,
and analysis strategy, we categorise current modern wireless
intrusion detection system (IDS) approaches.
S. Yi et al. [18] conducted a study of fog computing security and
privacy concerns in 2015. Fog computing is a potential computing
paradigm that brings cloud computing to network edges. Fog com-
puting, like cloud computing but with its own features, presents
additional security and privacy issues in addition to those faced
by cloud computing. We have reviewed these problems and their
answers in this article in a short way.
The Fog Computing Security and Forensics Challenges were
examined by Y. Wang et al. in 2015. A comprehensive overview
of Fog Computing’s motivations and benefits, as well as its distinc-
tive characteristics, are given and explored in this article, which
also includes a comparison between Fog Computing and Cloud
Computing in different situations. Fog security and forensics
research will be furthered by the results of this investigation.
In 2015 saw S. Sicari et al. [20] write a study on the IOT security,
privacy, and trust. Scalability issues also arise as a consequence of
the high number of interconnected devices. Authors addressed the
main research challenges and existing solutions in the field of IOT
security. They also unresolved issues and future research
recommendations.
In 2016, R. Roman et al. [21] conducted a study and analysis of
mobile edge computing security risks and difficulties. The primary
aim of this research is to examine the security risks, problems, and
processes that exist across all edge paradigms holistically, while
also identifying possible synergies and cooperation venues. Our
findings indicate that all edge paradigms should take into account
advancements in other paradigms.
V. Oleshchuk and colleagues [22] suggested the IOT and
privacy-preserving solutions in 2009. In this article, we examine
several technical methods to protecting consumers’ privacy in
the IOT environment. We look at what kinds of issues may be
solved and what degree of security can be obtained by utilising
safe multi-party calculations.
In 2017, J. Zhou et al. [23] examined the security and privacy chal-
lenges associated with cloud-based IOT in 2017. A novel privacy-
preserving data aggregation method without public k is proposed.
Author describe the architecture and specific security and privacy
needs for next-generation smart phones on cloud-based IOT, and
point out the insufficiency of most current work. It is addressed with
some fascinating unanswered questions, as well as some sugges-
tions for further research in this developing field.
Z.K. Zhang et al. [24] looked at current problems and research
possibilities for IOT security in 2014. In this article, we start with
a basic overview on IOT information security and then go on to
the information security issues that IOT will face. Finally, we’ll dis-
cuss research areas that may lead to future work on solutions to
the security problems that the Internet of Things faces.
3. Problem statement
There have been many studies that have looked at the issues of
cyber security and privacy in the cloud-based Internet of Things. In
the case of the latest generation of IOT, several studies have pre-
sented architecture [14] as well as unique security. However, the
research has shown that some current effort is ineffective. Secure
packet transmission and efficient privacy-preserving authentica-
tion are two difficult problems that have been solved. Although
many studies have suggested effective privacy-preserving data
aggregation [15] without public key homomorphism encryption,
the role of block-chain security is very charming. The extent and
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Materials Today: Proceedings 56 (2022) 3312–3316
need of block chain for cyber security of IOT systems must be
investigated [16]. There remains the need to consider block-chain
mechanism to enforce better cyber security mechanisms for inter-
net of things.
4. Cryptocurrency as block-chain application
While depositing money in the bank account of a recognised
person, the block chain method provides a scalable solution [17].
It is simple for anybody to do once they have access to their
account through the internet. The bank sends a message with the
most recent account information. It seems to be quite easy, but
there is the possibility of tampering, which most of us overlook.
It is possible to interfere with these transactions. People who are
aware of this fact are frequently hesitant [18] to use these kinds
of transactions, which is why third-party payment apps have
grown in popularity in recent years. This is the primary flaw that
led to the development of this technology. Many of us believe that
Block-chain and Bit-coin will be interchangeable [19] in the future.
However, this is not the case in reality. There are many distinctions
between them. Block-chain appears as a technology capable of
assisting sectors [20] such as banking, supply chain, and manufac-
turing, while crypto-currency appears as a currency that relies on
the security of Block-chain [21] technology.
5. Scope of research
In the area of cyber security, block-chain has provided an inter-
esting answer. It has robust safeguards [22] in place to prevent
information manipulation. It has the ability to secure Internet of
Things applications at the access level. The block-chain method
has been shown to have compromised [23] instruments that are
commonly utilised in IOT applications. Block may be linked with
the Internet of Things to enable machine-to-machine transactions.
Several block chain applications, including as healthcare, crypto-
currency, and network security, operate [24] well on the IOT plat-
form. Block-chain and Internet of Things research is expected to
play a major role in improving cyber security.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Bharat Kumar Aggarwal: Investigation, Writing – original
draft. Ankur Gupta: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing,
Supervision. Deepak Goyal: Formal analysis, Data curation. Pankaj
Gupta: Conceptualization. Bijender Bansal: Writing – review &
editing. Dheer Dhwaj Barak: Conceptualization, Writing – review
& editing, Supervision.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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