Fog computing-based efficient data aggregation scheme for smart grid

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating fog computing with smart grids to reduce data latency, leveraging the low latency characteristics of fog computing. Within this resource-rich and emerging field, privacy-preserving data aggregation emerges as a critical service. However, fine-grained recording and transmission of electricity consumption data and related user data are still inevitable, including user privacy security, which is the biggest challenge faced by smart grids. Therefore, user privacy protection and communication security during the above user data aggregation stage have become crucial. This study introduces a novel and efficient method for secure data aggregation that preserves user privacy. By leveraging the BLS short signature technique, we ensure the authentication of individual user contributions. Concurrently, we harness the Paillier cryptosystem's additive homomorphism feature to encrypt the data, thus maintaining the confidentiality of users' sensitive information throughout the aggregation process. After conducting a thorough examination of both security and performance, our approach safeguards user privacy and the accuracy of data throughout the consolidation phase, all without significantly increasing computational load.