Efficient trust-aware authentication and task offloading in Multi-access Edge Computing using a dual fuzzy method based Zero Trust Security framework
Creators: name: Alshieck Ali, Belal
Publisher: name: RMIT University
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 400604
subject: Network engineering

description: In the rapidly evolving landscape of Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), real-time and low-latency applications are rising. MEC offers computation and storage capabilities at the network edge, promising reduced latency and enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) for User Equipment (UE). However, MEC environments face substantial security and trust challenges, particularly concerning authentication and task offloading processes. This thesis delves into a comprehensive literature review on trust-aware authentication and task offloading within MEC and introduces an efficient scheme employing the dual fuzzy method.

The Zero Trust Security (ZTS) framework, a security paradigm rooted in the principle that all devices and UEs are untrusted until verified, plays a pivotal role in MEC. In this framework, all edge servers and users undergo rigorous authentication and verification before gaining access or performing tasks within the MEC network. Every access request and task execution is treated with suspicion, compelling edge servers and UEs to furnish proof of their identity and authenticity. This evidence can encompass a range of factors, including biometric authentication, UE characteristics, network conditions, and security protocols. The ZTS framework aims to minimise the attack surface and mitigate security risks by meticulously verifying edge servers and UEs before granting access to supporting systems.

Integrating blockchain technology into MEC management platforms has emerged as a promising strategy to record and audit trust relationships among MEC entities. Blockchain, a decentralised digital ledger, offers robust security enhancements for distributed MEC networks. It is an immutable record of transactions stored in cloud or distributed systems, ensuring security, transparency, and tamper resistance. Each block in the blockchain holds multiple transactions and a unique cryptographic signature, or "hash," linking it to the previous block, thereby safeguarding data integrity. Once a block is added to the blockchain, its contents remain secure and immutable. This technology finds a fitting application in large-scale MEC networks, enhancing Quality of Service (QoS).

Within the domain of trust-aware task offloading in MEC, blockchain is pivotal in establishing and preserving trust relationships between edge servers and the central management layer. It aids in mitigating the risk associated with malicious task processing, offering a secure and transparent platform for recording and managing trust-related information about edge servers and devices. This data, in turn, informs judicious decisions regarding task offloading, ensuring that only trusted and verified edge servers are entrusted with UE tasks. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of security breaches while enhancing the efficiency of MEC deployments.

We propose an efficient trust-aware authentication and task offloading scheme for MEC using the ZTS principles. The proposed method uses a dual fuzzy logic system to evaluate the trustworthiness of edge servers. Devices connected to the edge servers are authenticated using identity, biometrics and Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) measures. After authentication, tasks can be offloaded from the devices to the most trustworthy edge server. The proposed scheme also considers the resource constraints of the edge servers and aims to minimise the overall task completion time. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms existing schemes regarding authentication accuracy, task completion time, and energy consumption.