A Semi-Decentralized PKI Based on Blockchain With a Stake-Based Reward-Punishment Mechanism

Abstract

The conventional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) has long been plagued by security issues stemming from its centralized and non-transparent design. In recent years, blockchain-based PKI architectures have emerged as promising solutions to overcome such issues. However, existing research has predominantly focused on SSL certificates, overlooking other certificate types used for purposes such as facilitating electronic signatures/seals, code signing, and S/MIME- all reliant on the foundational PKI infrastructure. In this study, we present a novel blockchain-based PKI architecture designed to accommodate diverse certificate types. Combining the principles of the Web of Trust with a centralized model, our SemiDec-PKI establishes a resilient, distributed infrastructure. This unique synergy minimizes reliance on a single central authority, mitigating the vulnerabilities associated with traditional PKI systems’ single points of failure. With a cross-check mechanism and collective consensus of trusted entities, SemiDec-PKI provides higher fault tolerance, preventing disruptions from certificate misissuance or compromised certificate authorities. Furthermore, it introduces a stake-based reward-punishment mechanism which incentives honest behavior and penalizes malicious actions, serving as a potent deterrent against impersonation attacks.

Keywords

• Blockchain
• certificate transparency
• Ethereum
• PKI
• SSL
• smart contract