A Blockchain-Enhanced Zero-Trust Framework for Privacy in Industrial IoT Systems

The rapid expansion of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems has heightened concerns over data privacy, security, and trust in highly interconnected industrial environments. This paper proposes BLOX-Trust ((Blockchain-Optimized Zero-Trust), a novel blockchain-enhanced zero-trust framework that integrates decentralized identity management, smart contracts, and adaptive access control to ensure robust privacy and security in IIoT networks. By leveraging permissioned blockchain for immutable audit trails and incorporating zero-trust principles for continuous verification of devices and users, BLOX-Trust enables fine-grained, dynamic policy enforcement while mitigating risks such as unauthorized access, data tampering, and advanced cyberattacks. Edge computing is integrated to reduce latency and optimize real-time operations, while AI-driven anomaly detection supports proactive threat identification. Experimental evaluations in simulated IIoT environments demonstrate BLOX-Trust’s effectiveness, achieving secure, low-latency transactions with scalable performance. The results highlight its potential to enhance resilience, transparency, and operational efficiency in modern industrial ecosystems.