Blockchain-assisted UAV communication systems: a comprehensive survey

Hafeez, S., Khan, A. R., Al-Quraan, M., Mohjazi, L. , Zoha, A. , Imran, M. A. and Sun, Y. (2023) Blockchain-assisted UAV communication systems: a comprehensive survey. IEEE Open Journal of Vehicular Technology, 4, pp. 558-580. (doi: 10.1109/OJVT.2023.3295208)

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have recently established their capacity to provide cost-effective and credible solutions for various real-world scenarios. UAVs provide an immense variety of services due to their autonomy, mobility, adaptability, and communications interoperability. Despite the expansive use of UAVs to support ground communications, data exchanges in those networks are susceptible to security threats because most communication is through radio or Wi-Fi signals, which are easy to hack. While several techniques exist to protect against cyberattacks. Recently emerging technology blockchain could be one of promising ways to enhance data security and user privacy in peer-to-peer UAV networks. Borrowing the superiorities of blockchain, multiple entities can communicate securely, decentralized, and equitably. This article comprehensively overviews privacy and security integration in blockchain-assisted UAV communication. For this goal, we present a set of fundamental analyses and critical requirements that can help build privacy and security models for blockchain and help manage and support decentralized data storage systems. The UAV communication system's security requirements and objectives, including availability, authentication, authorization, confidentiality, integrity, privacy, and non-repudiation, are thoroughly examined to provide a deeper insight. We wrap up with a discussion of open research challenges, the constraints of current UAV standards, and potential future research directions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zoha, Dr Ahmed and Khan, Ahsan Raza and hafeez, sana and Imran, Professor Muhammad and Sun, Dr Yao and Alquraan, Mohammad Mahmoud Younes and Mohjazi, Dr Lina
• Authors: Hafeez, S., Khan, A. R., Al-Quraan, M., Mohjazi, L., Zoha, A., Imran, M. A., and Sun, Y.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Journal Name: IEEE Open Journal of Vehicular Technology
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 2644-1330
• ISSN (Online): 2644-1330
• Published Online: 13 July 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in IEEE Open Journal of Vehicular Technology 4:558-580
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license