Integrating blockchain into supply chain safeguarded by PUF-enabled RFID

Abstract

Due to globalization, supply chain networks are moving towards higher complexity and becoming vulnerable to various kinds of attacks such as counterfeiting, information tampering, and so on. Appropriate approaches are necessary to tackle different types of attacks and to ensure the required supply chain security. In this paper, we have addressed the product counterfeiting issue using Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) enabled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In this research, as a preferred alternative to the traditional centralized databases, blockchain technology has been leveraged to support anti-counterfeiting. Applying blockchain technology to supply chains can add many useful features such as decentralization, immutability, transparency, traceability, non-repudiation, complicated record-keeping, and so on. We have also used a reputation-based consensus algorithm for the blockchain which is less resource-intensive and thus will not indirectly impose additional cost on supply chain products. In the same research direction, we have devised our system architecture that is suitable for lightweight supply chain devices. The proposed three protocols namely: registration protocol, verification protocol, and transaction protocol along with the blockchain technology help to transfer the ownership of the authentic product and keep the sensitive supply chain information safe. An encryption-based secret sharing technique has also been introduced to assist data protection.