Towards blockchain-based collaborative intrusion detection systems

Abstract

In an attempt to cope with the increased number of cyber-attacks, research in Intrusion Detection System IDSs is moving towards more collaborative mechanisms. Collaborative IDSs (CIDSs) are such an approach; they combine the knowledge of a plethora of monitors to generate a holistic picture of the monitored network. Despite the research done in this field, CIDSs still face a number of fundamental challenges, especially regarding maintaining trust among the collaborating parties. Recent advances in distributed ledger technologies, e.g. various implementations of blockchain protocols, are a good fit to the problem of enhancing trust in collaborative environments. This paper touches the intersection of CIDSs and blockchains. Particularly, it introduces the idea of utilizing blockchain technologies as a mechanism for improving CIDSs. We argue that certain properties of blockchains can be of significant benefit for CIDSs; namely for the improvement of trust between monitors, and for providing accountability and consensus. For this, we study the related work and highlight the research gaps and challenges towards such a task. Finally, we propose a generic architecture for the incorporation of blockchains into the field of CIDSs and an analysis of the design decisions that need to be made to implement such an architecture.