- The paper introduces the Horcrux Protocol, a decentralized biometric-based self-sovereign identity method combining IEEE 2410 and DIDs with blockchain to address vulnerabilities in centralized systems.
- Key to the protocol is splitting biometric templates using cryptographic sharding, securely storing shares across decentralized platforms to enhance security and user control.
- The Horcrux Protocol significantly improves digital identity security, aligns with data privacy regulations like GDPR, and shifts control of identity data back to individuals.
The Horcrux Protocol for Decentralized Biometric-based Self-sovereign Identity
This paper presents the development and implementation of the Horcrux protocol, aimed at addressing the inherent vulnerabilities of centralized identity authentication systems by employing a decentralized biometric-based model. Existing models often rely on centralized databases, making them susceptible to single-point security breaches. In contrast, this research integrates self-sovereign identity principles with biometric authentication standards, leveraging blockchain technology to achieve a decentralized identity ecosystem.
Key Components and Innovation
The Horcrux protocol is underpinned by the IEEE 2410-2017 Biometric Open Protocol Standard (BOPS) combined with Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs). The use of blockchains ensures the storage of biometric data is decentralized, with the identity ecosystem allowing end-users control over their identities. Fundamental components of the Horcrux protocol include:
- Self-sovereign Identity Model: Utilizes blockchain and DIDs to establish a distributed ledger system, eliminating the need for third-party identity providers during user authentication.
- Decentralized Biometric Storage: Biometric templates are divided using cryptographic sharding into shares, which are stored securely across decentralized platforms using blockchain technology.
- DID Documents: These documents are crucial for resolving identity claims, containing metadata and authentication mechanisms related to individual DIDs.
Numerical Results and Claims
The paper highlights the inherent security flaw present in centralized systems, such as the breach disclosed by Equifax, as a motivating example for adopting decentralized approaches. The Horcrux protocol aims to mitigate such risks by distributing identity-related data across multiple platforms, thereby enhancing security.
Implications and Future Directions
The practical implications of this research are substantial, particularly in the design of secure digital identity models for various applications. By shifting control of identity data to individuals, the protocol aligns with evolving legal frameworks like GDPR, promoting privacy protection and reducing institutional liability. On a theoretical level, the intersection of biometric authentication and blockchain technology could herald new advancements in digital security protocols.
Future developments may include expanding the scalability of the Horcrux protocol, optimizing performance, and validating the correctness of the protocol using methods like TLA+. Additionally, the approach could be extended to incorporate more robust defenses against potential attack vectors identified during implementation, such as local authentication vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, this paper lays a solid groundwork for decentralized biometric identities, offering both enhanced security and greater control to end-users, positioning the Horcrux protocol as a pivotal innovation in the field of digital identity security.