Design and implementation of a lightweight blockchain-based authentication system

Thesis Abstract

The increasing demand for secure, efficient, and scalable authentication mechanisms in distributed systems has highlighted the limitations of traditional centralized authentication protocols, which are often vulnerable to single points of failure, susceptible to cyber-attacks, and hindered by high operational costs. To address these challenges, this study aims to design and implement a lightweight blockchain-based authentication system that enhances security, reduces computational overhead, and improves scalability for resource-constrained environments such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and mobile platforms. The specific objectives include developing an architecture that integrates blockchain technology with minimal resource requirements, evaluating the system’s security provisions against existing authentication protocols, and assessing its performance in terms of response time, energy consumption, and throughput under various operational conditions. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach encompassing both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The design phase employs a system development methodology, integrating cryptographic primitives and blockchain consensus algorithms optimized for lightweight execution, based on the Hyperledger Fabric framework. The empirical component involves a sample of 150 IoT devices and 50 mobile clients across different simulated environments. Data collection instruments consist of system logs, security audit reports, and user surveys. Quantitative data on response times, energy consumption, and throughput is analyzed using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the impact of the blockchain-based protocol on system performance. Qualitative data obtained through thematic analysis of user and expert feedback supplements the quantitative findings, providing insights into usability and perceived security. The anticipated outcomes of this research include the development of a functional prototype demonstrating the feasibility of lightweight blockchain authentication, with performance metrics indicating at least a 30% reduction in energy consumption and a 20% improvement in authentication response times compared to traditional methods. The security analysis is expected to reveal enhanced protection against phishing, man-in-the-middle, and replay attacks, supported by cryptographic and consensus mechanisms tailored for low-resource devices. The findings aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on blockchain applications in security, specifically advancing the understanding of how blockchain can be optimized for lightweight deployment without compromising security robustness. This study’s contribution to knowledge lies in providing a practical framework and operational prototype for energy-efficient, scalable blockchain authentication suited for IoT and mobile ecosystems, bridging the gap between theoretical blockchain security paradigms and real-world resource constraints. It articulates a comprehensive model that can be adapted for various distributed environments requiring secure access control, thereby informing future research and development efforts in blockchain security architectures. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating cryptographic efficiency and consensus optimization in designing protocols for constrained devices. The main conclusion indicates that a lightweight blockchain-based authentication system can significantly enhance security and operational efficiency in resource-limited environments, promoting its adoption in sectors such as smart homes, vehicular networks, and healthcare IoT. Recommendations include further research into decentralized identity management frameworks, exploring advanced consensus algorithms such as proof-of-authority and Byzantine fault-tolerant protocols, and extending the system’s scalability through multi-layered blockchain architectures. Future studies are suggested to conduct longitudinal deployment assessments and explore integration with emerging technologies such as edge computing and artificial intelligence to foster adaptive, resilient security solutions tailored to evolving distributed systems environments.