Botnet Prevention using Blockchain for SDN based IoT Devices

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) sector is being targeted by increasing botnets that can disrupt networks. This paper solves this problem by introducing a Software Defined Networks (SDNs) and blockchain integrated system focused on blocking IOT device botnets, such as Mirai. Their goal is to construct a model that combines the controllability of SDN with the unchangeable and distributed features in blockchain. It would detect botnet activities through network traffic analysis, improve security with blockchain and be a scalable solution for large networks of devices. The efficacy of this model was tested in a simulated environment, which resembles actual network situations. Ryu controllers synced Open vSwitch instances with emulated IoT devices using a blockchain platform made of Hyperledger Fabric. Finally, testing was carried out in Mininet, for network emulation and also ger- mini, for botnet attack simulation. Ryu applications running over x-trust-domain interfaces were developed to capture and detect botnet behaviours; as necessary, they both dropped malicious packets and took enforcement actions. The results proved the efficiency of the developed model to detect botnet attacks and to increase network security. Peripheral nature and scope of centralized model meant it could be deployed at a larger scale. This study paves the way for implementing proactive security solutions within IoT ecosystems.