A Comprehensive Review of IoT Security: Challenges, Authentication Mechanisms

Abstract

The integration of IoT, blockchain, cloud computing, and encryption is transforming healthcare systems by addressing key challenges in security, privacy, and data management. This study examines innovative authentication frameworks for securing electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare management systems, emphasizing the role of blockchain in enhancing data integrity, decentralization, and secure data sharing. Blockchain prevents single points of failure and ensures patient privacy through encryption and pseudonymization. Authentication mechanisms like multi-factor authentication (MFA), smart cards, and biometrics are crucial for mitigating threats such as replay attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized access. For IoT-enabled healthcare, securing communication between devices and servers is essential. Techniques like Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), fuzzy extractors, and Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) provide efficient, secure communication while minimizing computational burden. The study proposes an advanced security model that integrates lightweight encryption to address challenges in scalability, heterogeneity, and cyber threats. It also includes dynamic key-based authentication and context-aware authentication using RSSI to enhance security. This model ensures robust security for IoT-enabled healthcare systems, addressing emerging risks and ensuring the resilience of healthcare infrastructures. The research aims to optimize resource utilization, mitigate sophisticated cyber threats, and provide cost-effective scalability for secure, efficient health data management.