Decentralized Group Authentication of Devices Based on PhysicallyUnclonable Functions Using OneM2MArchitecture

The advent of 5G networks brings significant advancements for Machine-to-machine communication as it offers high data rates, network slicing capabilities, and improved network performance. A global wave of M2M connections has brought many opportunities for industries. However, with an exponentially new number of devices connected to the internet, the security of systems has become more vulnerable. Existing schemes utilize key generation functions like Elliptic Curve Cryptography, Shamir Secret Sharing, and Message Authentication Codes. These traditional schemes are based on discrete logarithm problems and factors of large numbers, that now can be predicted with more advanced quantum computers. The keys are also stored in physical memory, making it prone to hardware security attacks. To make the current framework future-proof new optimized authentication mechanisams need to be devised. This paper presents a novel approach based on Physically Unclonable Functions that can potentially defy even quantum-based attacks. PUFs provide an alternative method of security by relying on physical characteristics as opposed to computational presumptions. PUF responses are distinct and unpredictable as it follows an event-driven approach. Moreover, the results obtained by implementing the proposed scheme show that the network performance is optimal with a significant decrease of 16% in the energy requirements as compared to other techniques. This cost-effective, robust, and reliable approach has myriad applications for the industry by generating state-of-the-art solutions and fostering trust between all stakeholders.