Mutual authentication with multi-factor in IoT-Fog-Cloud environment

Authentication of restricted memory devices presents significant problems since memory consumption is high in mutual authentication using cryptographic protocols in IoT environments. According to previous studies, the development of a multi-factor mutual authentication method that can be used in fog and cloud computing remains a challenge. The present work aims to improve a method of mutual authentication with multi-factor using an adjustable variable response time, challenge-response function, and nonce. With these factors, the same method can be regulated for both the Fog and Cloud Computing contexts. We compared the present method with the evaluations carried out in related works, achieving a satisfactory result regarding the cost of computing and communication. The code developed in Java showed a better average processing time, low energy consumption than other studies, and a linear complexity metric. Finally, using the Proverif tool and an informal analysis to provide the security assessment, it was demonstrated that it is impossible to derive the discovery of keys, keeping the proposed method safe.

Automated summary

The research improved a multi-factor mutual authentication method that can be adjusted for use in fog and cloud computing environments, showing better performance compared to other studies. Factors such as response time, challenge-response function, and nonce were used to ensure the security of the method.