Lattice-based blockchain platform for IoT: Privacy-enhanced application with lattice-based blind signatures

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has created new opportunities in remote monitoring, data sharing, and real-time analysis. However, the emergence of quantum computing presents significant security and privacy challenges. This study proposes a post-quantum secure blockchain framework incorporating a lattice-based blind signature scheme for IoT applications. The proposed framework adopts a multi-layered structure (MLS) to enhance efficiency. It employs the STARK protocol, a post-quantum zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) structure, for secure verification without exposing device identities. The lattice-based blind signature scheme, built on the hardness of the module learning with errors (MLWE) problem, ensures secure and anonymous data transmission. Kyber's secure randomness in the blinding process strengthens resistance against quantum attacks. Additionally, data integrity and non-repudiation are reinforced using Dilithium signatures. The integration of a threshold logical clock (TLC) and event-based smart contracts (EBSC) within the MLS reduces communication overhead and optimizes blockchain efficiency. TLC triggers smart contracts with a single transaction using threshold-based aggregation, ensuring reliable timestamping. EBSC utilizes these synchronized timestamps for more efficient execution. A use-case scenario involving electrochemical sensor data demonstrates the framework's ability to maintain scalability while protecting sensitive data against quantum threats.