Secure Ride-Sharing Services Based on a Consortium Blockchain

Abstract

Due to poor traffic conditions and the high costs of traveling by private cars, ride sharing has become a popular means to trip. In view of the security threats and centralization existing in the current ride-sharing service, we propose a secure ride-sharing scheme based on a consortium blockchain, which can guarantee the security, confidentiality, and privacy of data interaction via attribute-based proxy re-encryption algorithm. First, the passenger presets the access structure and encrypts the data using attribute-based encryption. The ciphertext is then sent to the roadside unit (RSU), which broadcasts the carpooling request to the driver. After receiving the request, the driver sends the itinerary attribute to RSU, which performs carpool matching according to received ciphertext and itinerary attributes, then the ciphertext is re-encrypted and sent to the matched driver. Second, the master node uses an improved Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus to verify the carpool record, which is stored on the blockchain after the verification is successful. In case of disputes, block data can be utilized for traceability. Third, drivers and passengers use the credibility mechanism to score each other after ride sharing. In addition, trusted authority can reveal the real identity of malicious users. Finally, we conduct a security analysis and performance evaluation for our proposed scheme. The results manifest that our scheme not only meets the security and privacy requirements of ride-sharing services but also effectively resists potential security risks. Therefore, our scheme is feasible, efficient, and suitable for ride-sharing services.