An ECDSA Approach to Access Control in Knowledge Management Systems Using Blockchain

Gabriel Nyame,Emmanuel Boateng Sifah,Kwame Opuni-Boachie Obour Agyekum,Zhiguang Qin

doi:10.3390/info11020111

Gabriel Nyame, Emmanuel Boateng Sifah + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/info11020111

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Abstract

Access control has become problematic in several organizations because of the difficulty in establishing security and preventing malicious users from mimicking roles. Moreover, there is no flexibility among users in the participation in their roles, and even controlling them. Several role-based access control (RBAC) mechanisms have been proposed to alleviate these problems, but the security has not been fully realized. In this work, however, we present an RBAC model based on blockchain technology to enhance user authentication before knowledge is accessed and utilized in a knowledge management system (KMS). Our blockchain-based system model and the smart contract ensure that transparency and knowledge resource immutability are achieved. We also present smart contract algorithms and discussions about the model. As an essential part of RBAC model applied to KMS environment, trust is ensured in the network. Evaluation results show that our system is efficient.

Highlights

The value of knowledge has risen in today’s modern world due to the changes and pace of life that has created a fierce, competitive market
We introduce an efficient verification and access control method that is based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), as it is the mechanism most blockchain systems thrive on
We show the test results of our smart contract system

Summary

Introduction

The value of knowledge has risen in today’s modern world due to the changes and pace of life that has created a fierce, competitive market. With knowledge being an intellectual property, its management should be very effective. Knowledge management (KM), often related to organizations, is a conscious effort in the provision of knowledge at the right time and place, in the right form, and to the right person. This helps people to capture, share and utilize knowledge so as to improve the organization’s performance. Nodes can leave the network and rejoin at any time, and accept the longest proof of work (PoW), which is a puzzle that needs to be solved by a miner (node that maintains the block)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion