Search

The Internet of Things (IoT) is ubiquitous in our lives. However, the inherent vulnerability of IoT smart devices can lead to the destruction of networks in untrustworthy environments. Therefore, authentication is a necessary tool to ensure the legitimacy of nodes and protect data security. Naturally, the authentication factors always include various sensitive users' information, such as passwords, ID cards, even biological information, etc. How to prevent privacy leakage has always been a problem faced by the IoT. Zero-knowledge authentication is a crucial cryptographic technology that uses authenticates nodes on the networks without revealing identity or any other data entered by users. However, zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) requires more complex data exchange protocols and more data transmission compared to traditional cryptography technologies. To understand how zero-knowledge authentication works in IoT, we produce a survey on zero-knowledge authentication in privacy-preserving IoT in the paper. First, we overview the IoT architecture and privacy, including security challenges and open question in different IoT layers. Next, we overview zero-knowledge authentication and provide a comprehensive analysis of designing zero-knowledge authentication protocols in various IoT networks. We summarize the advantages of ZKP-based authentication in IoT. Finally, it summarizes the potential problems and future directions of ZKP in IoT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (TCP, Guijia) and Trionycis Carapax (TC, Biejia), which made from the shell of Chinemys reevesii (CR) and Pelodiscus sinensis (PS), were two kinds of widely used animal-derived Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Some cheap substitutes such as the carapace and plastron of Trachemys scripta (TS), Mauremys sinensis (MS), or Apalone ferox (AF) shells obtained from restaurants are sometimes used, which expose the public health to a high risk and cause unfair competitions in the market. Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach to simultaneously differentiate five Chelonia species and identify adulteration of two natural products. Materials and Methods: Five novel species-specific primers were designed for CR, TS, MS, PS, and AF, followed by optimization of PCR conditions and validation for specificity and sensitivity. Then, a deliberate mixture was analyzed to verify the capability of adulteration detection. Finally, it was used to examine commercial products. Results: The developed method proved to be highly specific and detection limit was 1 ng for all the species tested. Particularly, it was still applicable and reliable when processed products or deliberate adulteration were examined. Two batches of commercial raw TCP products were identified to be counterfeited by TS using the newly proposed approach. Conclusion: The newly proposed multiplex PCR method showed sufficient merits to be readily employed as a regular means to authenticate edible and medicinal TCM products made of TCP and TC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anonymous single sign-on (ASSO) scheme allows users to access multiple services anonymously using one credential. We propose a new ASSO scheme, where users can access services anonymously through the use of anonymous credentials and unlinkably through the provision of designated verifiers. Notably, verifiers cannot link a user’s service requests even if they collude. The novelty is that when a designated verifier is unavailable, a central authority can authorize new verifiers to authenticate the user on behalf of the original verifier. Furthermore, a central verifier can also be authorized to de-anonymize users and trace their service requests. We formalize the scheme along with a security proof and provide an empirical evaluation of its performance. This scheme can be applied to smart ticketing where minimizing the collection of personal information of users is increasingly important to transport organizations due to privacy regulations such as general data protection regulations (GDPRs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asini Corii Colla (ACC; donkey-hide glue) and Taurus Corii Colla (TCC; bovine-hide glue) are popular healthcare food supplements as well as well-recognized medicine in Traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Due to large demand of them and limited resources of their animal origins, the skin of other animals are often used to make their fake or adulterated products. Objective: In this study, we aimed to develop a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach to detect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments of ACC and TCC for rapid authentication purpose. Materials and Methods: Four sets of novel species-specific primer were designed, and PCR conditions were optimized for the PCR assay, which was further validated for specificity and sensitivity. Then, deliberate mixture was analyzed to further verify the capability of adulteration detection by the developed PCR method. Finally, it was used to assess the authenticity of commercial products. Results: Four primers' sets were specific for amplification of extracted mitochondrial DNA of donkey, bovine, swine, and horse when the annealing temperature was 59°C, 59°C, 63°C, and 65°C, and 40 thermal cycles was performed. Under this optimized PCR conditions, 1 ng/μL of horse DNA template has been detected in the sensitivity test, with 0.1 ng/μL for donkey, bovine, and swine. The assay was capable of detecting spiked species at 10% level in premixed ACC or TCC samples. Conclusion: The newly developed PCR-based technology was specific and sensitive, and it was a convenient approach for the authentication of commercial ACC and TCC products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leech is a well-known animal-derived Chinese medicine; intentionally or unintentionally, interfusing fake products have exposed patients to high risk. Objective: In this study, we would like to find a rapid and accurate technology to identify medicinal leech. Materials and Methods: Three sets of species-specific primer were designed, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions were optimized for the four species analyzed. Specificity and sensitivity test were carried out, and the reference sample mixtures were analyzed. Finally, the developed method was used to assess the authenticity of commercially available products. Results: Three sets of species-specific primer were confirmed to have high interspecies specificity and good intraspecies stability. The limit of detection was estimated to be 1 ng for all of four assayed species. Subsequent validation demonstrated that the raw material, processed, and even highly processed products of leech can be conveniently authenticated with good sensitivity and precision by this newly established PCR-based method. Conclusion: These designed novel primer sets have shown distinct performance on the identification of adulterate products. The new technology needs no procedure for sequencing and has been successfully employed for the reliable authentication of raw material of leech and even their processed and highly processed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]