Efficient Blockchain-Based Group Key Distribution for Secure Authentication in VANETs

This letter proposes a group key distribution scheme using smart contract-based blockchain technology. The contract’s functions allow for securely distributing the session key, following initial legitimacy detection public infrastructure-based authentication. For message authentication, we propose lightweight symmetric cryptography-based signature method, supporting security and privacy requirements of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Our discussion examined scheme’s robustness against typical adversarial attacks. To evaluate gas costs associated with contracts functions, implemented it on Ethereum main network. Finally, comprehensive analyses computation communication demonstrate effectiveness.