Research on Oracle Technology Based on Multi-Threshold Aggregate Signature Algorithm and Enhanced Trustworthy Oracle Reputation Mechanism

Sensors (Basel). 2024 Jan 13;24(2):502. doi: 10.3390/s24020502.

Abstract

In the realm of IoT sensor data security, particularly in areas like agricultural product traceability, the challenges of ensuring product origin and quality are paramount. This research presents a novel blockchain oracle solution integrating an enhanced MTAS signature algorithm derived from the Schnorr signature algorithm. The key improvement lies in the automatic adaptation of flexible threshold values based on the current scenario, catering to diverse security and efficiency requirements. Utilizing the continuously increasing block height of the blockchain as a pivotal blinding parameter, our approach strengthens signature verifiability and security. By combining the block height with signature parameters, we devise a distinctive signing scheme reliant on a globally immutable timestamp. Additionally, this study introduces a reliable oracle reputation mechanism for monitoring and assessing oracle node performance, maintaining both local and global reputations. This mechanism leverages smart contracts to evaluate each oracle's historical service, penalizing or removing nodes engaged in inappropriate behaviors. Experimental results highlight the innovative contributions of our approach to enhancing on-chain efficiency and fortifying security during the on-chain process, offering promising advancements for secure and efficient IoT sensor data transmission.

Keywords: ETROM reputation mechanism; IoT; MTAS signature algorithm; blockchain oracle; data tampering; data traceability; sensor data security.

Grants and funding

This paper is financially supported by the project Research and Application Demonstration of Key Technologies of Yunnan Autonomous Controllable Blockchain Basic Service Platform (grant no. 202102AD080006).