Implementation of an Embedded IoT Blockchain System to Increase the Security of a Healthcare Institution Network

Abstract

Embedded blockchain emerges as an alternative to protect sensible data due to its decentralized network strategy. The objective of this paper is to propose a proof of concept to improve the security of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) using an IoT embedded blockchain technology. The implementation consists of a smart contract deployed to the Ethereum Testnet to store medical data, and an IoT embedded system interacting with the contract. By adding a blockchain abstraction layer, the embedded system CPU load is reduced. Low-cost and accessible hardware and software parts were utilized. Results demonstrated that blockchain provides more data security when storing patient medical data based on the IMSS network infrastructure. Blockchain can be a feasible and beneficial alternative to traditional cybersecurity networks and applications.