Internet of Things (IoT) software developer Information technology's Hither appear the launch of a blockchain-enabled lock that purportedly prevents porch pirating.

According to a press release shared with Cointelegraph on Jan. seven, the solution — dubbed IoTLock — is comprised of a software arrangement and mobile decentralized awarding (DApp) that can plough whatever keypad-enabled device into blockchain-secured smart devices.

The document cites mailboxes, delivery boxes, and safes as examples of devices that can be upgraded with the solution. In the case of mailboxes, past assuasive admission only to authorized people such as parcel delivery couriers, the system would reportedly prevent porch pirating.

Porch pirating is a term used to draw the practice of stealing packages that were left in front end of home doors after delivery. The phenomenon is quite widespread, with the 2022 packet theft statistics report released by inquiry firm C+R Inquiry suggests that 36% of American consumers had a package stolen.

Blockchain enhancing IoT cybersecurity

The visitor is employing blockchain as a way to store and protect data while also allowing for authentication. Per the release, the IoT industry needs solutions to protect privacy and personal data from 3rd parties and more robust security.

This merits is confirmed by reports of IoT devices beingness hacked, including a 2022 incident in which a vulnerability was discovered in a peacemaker, which would have allowed an assailant to inflict potentially fatal shocks. Also more peculiar instances, like smart fridges hacked to transport spam email were reported.

The organization uses a blockchain platform purpose-built for IoT solutions dubbed StreamIoT that uses IoT devices to shop and manage data, authentication and privacy and is based on the BlockSafe blockchain-as-a-service solution. IoTLock reportedly allows for share access numbers with trusted people.

The dedicated mobile application is already bachelor for Android devices. At the same time, the release of the iOS version is planned for the near futurity. StreamIoT co-founder Duane Jacobsen said:

"It's Here [...] is set up to help companies build locking products to secure all those Amazon and UPS deliveries as well equally other valuable assets through this very unique software service."

Blockchain and IoT

Blockchain is increasingly beingness combined with IoT technology, generally in order to heighten security and reliability. In May last year, engineering and electronics manufacturer Bosch hinted it would take an active role in defending the openness of IoT against censorship. A press release published by the firm at the time noted about IoT and the Economy of Things:

"Distributed ledger technologies (DLT) such every bit blockchain may well go the primal technology in these domains."

In June 2022, Napster creator Shawn Fanning'due south new company Helium released its IoT wireless hotspot devices with a blockchain-based incentives program. Such hotspots would provide wireless internet access and comprehend nigh i/50 to 1/150 of a city. People hosting hotspots earn cryptocurrency past providing internet admission.

Other major companies are investing in the space. For case, in late May last year a unit of German telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom announced that it will work with Binance-listed project Fetch.AI to develop decentralized IoT network innovations.