In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

Brijesh Patel

will defend his thesis

Blockchain and Digital Signatures for Digital Self-Sovereignty

Abstract

In the 21st century, every person is identifiable by numbers and set of attributes. Thanks to the digital age, it has never been easier to share one's identity for any purpose. Also, it has never been easier to have one's identity stolen and used for fraudulent means. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that consumers have means to share their identity with only the entities that they wish to share it with and do so in a secure manner where no one can steal it from them. Principles of self-sovereignty have been integrated into the solution to achieve such a mechanism. The consumer is able to create or update their identity attributes. Through the use of attribute-based credentials, the consumer can choose to release only the needed attributes for a business access request. Businesses can be granted a license to access the attributes. Also, the license can be granted and revoked as per the consumer's wishes. Application of these principles results into a system where the consumers can be the sole owners of their own identities. Consumers gain confidence in such a system as they can exercise control over their identities. Also, such a system can be used to simplify complex processes and facilitate a unified system for access to a multitude of services.

Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: PGH 550
Advisor: Dr. Larry Shi

Faculty, students, and the general public are invited.