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Articles

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2022): Blockchain Technology and Distributed Systems

Rethinking Federated Identity Management: A Blockchain-Enabled Framework for Enhanced Security, Interoperability, and User Sovereignty

Published
10-06-2022

Abstract

The widespread adoption of Federated Identity Management (FIM) systems has undoubtedly revolutionized user access management across online services. By leveraging Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities, FIM has demonstrably streamlined user experiences and enhanced operational efficiency for both Identity Providers (IdPs) and Service Providers (SPs). However, the prevailing reliance on centralized IdPs within conventional FIM architectures introduces inherent vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities manifest as single points of failure, susceptible to cyberattacks that could result in catastrophic data breaches. Additionally, the siloed nature of these centralized systems creates limitations in interoperability between disparate Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems, hindering the seamless flow of identity data across organizational boundaries.

This research proposes a novel framework that leverages the transformative power of blockchain technology to deconstruct the current, centralized model of federated identity management. By establishing a secure, decentralized foundation, the proposed framework fosters a paradigm shift towards a more robust, user-centric, and future-proof IAM ecosystem.

The core tenet of the proposed framework hinges on the facilitation of seamless and interoperable attribute exchange between IdPs and SPs. This interoperability transcends the limitations of conventional FIM systems, enabling a more dynamic and adaptable approach to identity management. Crucially, the framework empowers users with unparalleled control over their identity data. User consent becomes the cornerstone of the system, meticulously governed by tamper-proof smart contracts. These smart contracts enforce fine-grained Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) mechanisms, ensuring that users disclose only the minimum attributes indispensable for a specific service. This granular control over attribute disclosure significantly enhances user privacy and reduces the attack surface for potential adversaries.

To delve deeper, this paper meticulously dissects the intricate technical underpinnings of the framework. It details the distributed ledger structure, meticulously outlining the strategic utilization of cryptographic primitives to safeguard data integrity and confidentiality. The paper also explores potential incentive mechanisms to foster network participation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the decentralized ecosystem.

A comprehensive comparative analysis with existing FIM solutions rigorously evaluates the advantages of the blockchain-based approach. The analysis meticulously dissects the significant improvements in security posture, transparency of access control decisions, and user empowerment through the application of self-sovereign identity (SSI) principles.

Furthermore, the paper acknowledges the potential challenges inherent in a decentralized environment, including scalability limitations, regulatory compliance hurdles, and the complexities of key management. It concludes by charting promising future research directions, such as the integration of zero-knowledge proofs for bolstering privacy-preserving interactions and the development of standardized protocols for secure and interoperable identity exchange across heterogeneous blockchain networks. This paves the way for a paradigm shift towards a more robust, user-centric, and future-proof federated identity management ecosystem.

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