Font Size: 

A permission-based distributed ledger (PBDL) of node-based hashes is a novel approach to creating autonomy and resiliency in cybersecurity through the immutability and trust created by Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT).  DLT's applications already include finance, supply chain, and smart contracts highlighting current innovative approaches to a plethora of use cases across different industries.  The preliminary research investigates the capabilities of storing calculated hashes on permission-based distributed ledgers in diverse operating environments including Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems. A hash captures a specific data point - a fingerprint – of a particular system to ensure the integrity of the system.  Manipulation of a single byte on the system alters the hash.  The distributed ledger (DL) stores the hash in a permanent record and trust.  The research refines and applies existing DLT solutions to the cybersecurity domain by evaluating the merits of DLT and integrity checks to enhance situational awareness through threat detection. Additional benefits of the approach may include increased attack effort and improved vulnerability discovery.  The research contributes to the state of both technology and cybersecurity through combining DLT and hashes to create a trusted system which can be applied to industry as well as integrated into operational infrastructures.

Distributed Ledger Technology, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Information Systems