The services provided by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) have become indispensable mechanisms for information security and supporting the widespread adoption of digitalization, through secure authentication of entities and digital signatures. These mechanisms provide essential security properties such as the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of data. As digitalization continues to evolve, PKI plays a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of a safer and more efficient digital system, where identity validation and electronic signatures are fundamental processes. Nevertheless, traditional systems currently in use also come with disadvantages and potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. The main drawbacks include the presence of a single point of failure represented by the Certificate Authority (CA) or a Qualified Time Stamping Authority (QTSA), as well as the lack of transparency in the processes of managing digital certificates and issuing qualified time-stamps. Integrating an emerging technology such as blockchain within traditional PKI provides additional layers of security, such as transparency, immutability, and decentralization, thereby eliminating the existence of a single point of failure. In this paper, we analyze the integration of blockchain technology within the services provided by a Trust Service Provider (TSP) from the perspectives of security, availability, and interoperability. Starting from the current security mechanisms within the PKI and the potential vulnerabilities, we conducted a study highlighting the need for blockchain integration to address these shortcomings. In our analysis of blockchain-based PKI solutions, we also identified challenges regarding blockchain integration into traditional PKI, such as lack of interoperability and challenges in aligning with existing cryptographic standards and legislation.

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Blockchain Integration in Trust Service Providers: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

  • Brînzea Andrei,
  • Emil Bureacă

摘要

The services provided by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) have become indispensable mechanisms for information security and supporting the widespread adoption of digitalization, through secure authentication of entities and digital signatures. These mechanisms provide essential security properties such as the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of data. As digitalization continues to evolve, PKI plays a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of a safer and more efficient digital system, where identity validation and electronic signatures are fundamental processes. Nevertheless, traditional systems currently in use also come with disadvantages and potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. The main drawbacks include the presence of a single point of failure represented by the Certificate Authority (CA) or a Qualified Time Stamping Authority (QTSA), as well as the lack of transparency in the processes of managing digital certificates and issuing qualified time-stamps. Integrating an emerging technology such as blockchain within traditional PKI provides additional layers of security, such as transparency, immutability, and decentralization, thereby eliminating the existence of a single point of failure. In this paper, we analyze the integration of blockchain technology within the services provided by a Trust Service Provider (TSP) from the perspectives of security, availability, and interoperability. Starting from the current security mechanisms within the PKI and the potential vulnerabilities, we conducted a study highlighting the need for blockchain integration to address these shortcomings. In our analysis of blockchain-based PKI solutions, we also identified challenges regarding blockchain integration into traditional PKI, such as lack of interoperability and challenges in aligning with existing cryptographic standards and legislation.