A Comparative Analysis Between SciTokens, Verifiable Credentials, and Smart Contracts: Novel Approaches for Authentication and Secure Access to Scientific Data

Md Jobair Hossain Faruk, Bilash Saha, Jim Basney

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Managing and exchanging sensitive information securely is a paramount concern for the scientific and cybersecurity community. The increasing reliance on computing workflows and digital data transactions requires ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access, tampering, or misuse. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of three novel approaches for authenticating and securing access to scientific data: SciTokens, Verifiable Credentials, and Smart Contracts. The aim of this study is to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach from trust, revocation, privacy, and security perspectives. We examine the technical features and privacy and security mechanisms of each technology and provide a comparative synthesis with the proposed model. Through our analysis, we demonstrate that each technology offers unique advantages and limitations, and the integration of these technologies can lead to more secure and efficient solutions for authentication and access to scientific data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPEARC 2023 - Computing for the common good
Subtitle of host publicationPractice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages302-305
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781450399852
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 23 2023
Event2023 Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing, PEARC 2023 - Portland, United States
Duration: Jul 23 2023Jul 27 2023

Publication series

NamePEARC 2023 - Computing for the common good: Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing

Conference

Conference2023 Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing, PEARC 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period7/23/237/27/23

Keywords

  • Blockchain
  • JWT
  • SciTokens
  • Smart Contracts
  • Verifiable Credentials

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computational Theory and Mathematics
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Software
  • Theoretical Computer Science

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