Systematic Mapping Study of Security in Multi-Embedded-Agent Systems

Context: In this paper, we study distributed and decentralized systems in which each part is modeled as an agent in a multi-agent system. Those systems provide more scalable and easier ways to control complex, distributed and interconnected systems of embedded components. We are particularly interested in methods to secure these systems. Objectives: This study aims to identify the main security properties studied, the parts of a multi-agent architecture that are considered most often in security studies and the technical solutions used to secure those systems. Methods: We conducted a systematic mapping study on research works addressing the security of multi-agent systems with embedded agents. We identified which security features were addressed, and their roles in global security architecture. Results: We identified 70 papers published in journals and conferences. We classified the extracted data reporting a tendency to focus on securing the availability of systems under attack by means of trust schemes, sometimes supported by cryptographic primitives. Conclusion: The use of cryptography appears to be limited in decentralized systems. However, solutions should be provided to overcome those limits as other solutions such as trust schemes do not protect the system from the same type of attacks.