ChainSecWSN: A blockchain-driven algorithmic framework for secure node authentication and data transmission in wireless sensor networks

The deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in data sensitive and security critical applications is increasing rapidly, but inherent challenges exist due to the decentralized and resource-constrained nature of WSNs in establishing secure authentication and data matriculation across networks. This paper proposes an algorithmic framework that leverages blockchain technology to achieve a lightweight, secure deferential node authentication and encrypted data communication exchange in WSNs. The proposed dwells in four modular algorithmic applications: registering nodes, authenticating nodes, secure communication, and validation. Each node is uniquely registered using a dual factor identification criterion (i.e., MAC address and a fingerprint for authentication), processed by the Blake-2B hashing algorithm and a digital signature (DIGSIG) produced and stored on an immutable private blockchain. Communication is secured by creating a session token by hashing the sender and receiver identifiers and including random entropy to yield an unpredictable session token. This session token is also secured using an OTP-based encryption mechanism. Each communication event (i.e., transaction) is hashed, validated, and logged into the blockchain to ensure traceability, integrity, and non-repudiation. Algorithms on the receiver side check the session tokens and OTP’s first, before decrypting and verifying the message. Once the message is decrypted, it is hashed to verify transmission integrity. The process also implements tests for entropy, integrity, and resistance to duplication. There were no signs of breaches in message security, meaning enhancements to message integrity. The research uniquely contributed to a suite of lightweight blockchain algorithms for real-world WSN deployment to establish a scalable, self-sustaining, and tamper-resilient communication infrastructure.