Enhancing IoT Data Dependability through a Blockchain Mirror Model

IoT is a remarkable data producer and these data may be used to prevent or detect security vulnerabilities and increase productivity by the adoption of statistical and AI techniques. However these desirable benefits are gained if data from IoT networks are dependable and this is where Blockchain comes into play. In fact, through Blockchain critical IoT data may be trusted, i.e. considered valid for any subsequent processing. A simple formal model named "The Mirror Model" is proposed to connect IoT data organized in traditional model to assets of trust in a BlockChain. The Mirror Model sets some formal conditions to produce trusted data that stay trusted over time. It is also proposed a possible practical implementation of an API that keeps in synch the data and the trust model. Finally, it is noted that the Mirror Model enforces a top-down approach from reality to implementation instead of going the opposite way as it is now practice when referring to Blockchain and IoT.