"Securing Devices Is the Future of Blockchain Technology"

Blockchain technology can be used to create trust among Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which is essential to the success of IoT networks. Improving trust among these devices can enable an autonomous security robot to check the security clearances of drones flying overhead and other scenarios such as a self-checkout register at a grocery that flags recalled meat when someone tries to purchase it. However, these use cases exist in theoretical or pilot stages. An upcoming smart-home standard, introduced by the Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP) working group in the ZigBee Alliance, will use blockchain technology to create trust among devices. The new standard focuses on improving IoT device compatibility, which includes ensuring that devices from different manufacturers can interact with each other securely. CHIP's standard describes a blockchain-based ledger containing each CHIP-certified device and its manufacturer. In addition, the ledger contains facts about the device like the current version of its software, whether it has received a specific update, and more. The standard also provides other basic security features such as encryption between IoT devices. Anyone with access to the CHIP Compliance Ledger will be able to monitor the status of all listed devices automatically. Manufacturers, including Apple, Amazon, and Whirpool can also use the ledger to automatically monitor the security of their devices. This blockchain approach eliminates the need for users to track and monitor the security of all of their devices. The ledger could also alert people about device vulnerabilities, depending on how it is set up. This article continues to discuss how the CHIP Compliance Ledger will improve security and create trust among IoT devices. 

IEEE Spectrum reports "Securing Devices Is the Future of Blockchain Technology"