Implementation of Hyperledger-Based Secure Firmware Update Delivery for IoT Devices

Abstract

An increasing reliance on smart and connected devices in our homes, workplaces, and in everyday life has led to the rapid growth of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology. While some IoT devices communicate without the involvement of their users, their functionalities must be protected against various attacks. The firmware update process is a fundamental security challenge in the world of embedded devices. Therefore, this research work proposes and implements a secure firmware update delivery mechanism for IoT devices. To assure a secure firmware update, the process should be conducted through a trusted network. The proposed solution is therefore deployed in a blockchain network. This mechanism ensures that the firmware version of the IoT device is verified while also validating the integrity of the file itself and then downloading the latest version of the firmware update. All these tasks are performed securely through a Hyperledger blockchain network. The main objective of this solution is to mitigate attacks on the firmware update process by ensuring that IoT firmware is up to date and that it has not been modified either during the transfer process or as it is installed on the IoT device.