Securing the Internet of Things using Blockchain Convergence

Prof. Ahmed Banafa, Academic Advisor at San Jose University based in USA participates in Risk Roundup to discuss “Securing the Internet of Things using Blockchain Convergence”. Overview Managing security risks associated with the “Internet of Things” (IoT) is complex and challenging.  This is mainly because each piece or thing in the IoT and throughout the IoT ecosystem, brings complex technical and non-technical requirements, that brings its own set of security gaps and vulnerabilities. This makes securing IoT very complex. Irrespective of whether it is public or private, for an effective IoT ecosystem, all IoT devices must work together and be integrated with all other devices– and all these devices must communicate and interact seamlessly with all other connected systems and digital infrastructures. This is by no means an easy chain of events from security perspective. As nations move towards creating the Internet of Everything (IoE) ecosystem that benefits from the accelerating paradigm shift, there are more questions than answers when it comes to IoT Security. While the Internet of Things has great promise, the security challenges must be tackled before these systems are widely embraced. So, how can we secure the IoT digital infrastructure? It seems that blockchain technology brings a promising potential for the IoT security. The on-going blockchain and Internet of things convergence is giving IoT community a promise of securing its digital infrastructure in cyberspace, geospace and space (CGS). While the promise of blockchain and IoT convergence is here, the fundamental fact remains that, developing security solutions for the Internet of Things requires unprecedented collaboration, coordination, connectivity and convergence. It is therefore important to evaluate: * How secure is the current IoT digital infrastructure? * What is the level of security possible with the current technology infrastructure we have in place across nations? * What security challenges exist because of varying technology standards, guidelines and compatibility issues? * What is the state of real time data security across nations? * Can the centralized model of IoT work from security perspective? * Is there a single platform that can connect all IoT devices and guarantee its security? * Is there a case for de-centralizing IoT networks? * Can security be managed in the decentralized IoT model? * What is essential for decentralized IoT model, from security perspective? * Will blockchain be able to provide a security model to the IoT? * How will blockchain create secure network for IoT? * While blockchain is seen as a way to secure the Internet of Things, is the blockchain sufficient for IoT security? * What is the road ahead? Blockchain presents a secured promise for the future of IoT. While the promise of Blockchain and the Internet of Things convergence is here, the fact remains that, developing security solutions for the Internet of Things requires unprecedented collaboration, coordination, connectivity and convergence. It is time to take a closer look at the security needs of the Internet of Things! For more please watch the Risk Roundup Webcast or hear Risk Roundup Podcast About the Guest Prof. Ahmed Banafa is the academic advisor for engineering students at San Jose University based in USA. He is also the technical and business advisor for student’s start-ups from inception to market introduction and teaches at College of Engineering. He has published over 80 articles about IoT, Cloud Computing, and Big Data. He is a guest speaker at international technology conferences.