On the sustainability of logistics structures based on smart contracts

Abstract

One of the most promising solutions for optimizing logistics processes is the creation of automated supply management systems based on distributed registry technology, in particular a smart contract. However, in addition to the well-known economic advantages of such a technology, the expediency of its practical application will largely be determined by the stability of the functioning of these control systems in modern conditions of the threat of destabilizing influences. Currently, the solution to the security issues of smart contracts as programs are reduced to checking the source code of applications. Obviously, this is clearly not enough to ensure the reliability of logistics management, the stability of which can be determined on the basis of known methods for assessing the complex security of the corresponding IT system. This study adapts existing methods for auditing and assessing information security risks for an IT system using a smart contract, and the subject is to substantiate the applicability of such an approach to assessing the security of logistics processes, considering the features of smart contracts. The paper considers the features of the use of smart contracts in logistics processes, outlines appropriate approaches to audit and risk assessment of the functioning of the logistics management system based on smart contracts. Recommendations have been developed for the practical implementation of specific methods for assessing the security of an IT system using a smart contract, which is set by the authors as the goal of further work. The results of the study can be useful to specialists in the field of optimization of logistics processes and information security when developing new logistics schemes based on smart contracts.

Keywords

• audit, information security, it systems, logistics processes, security assessment, risk assessment, distributed ledger, smart contract, sustainability.