Challenge/Response-Lifecycle development for Multi-Factor Self-Sovereign Identity Authentication

In the expanding machine-to-everything (M2X) economy, trust between participants is essential for secure and efficient interactions. Multi-factor challenge set self-sovereign identity authentication (MFSSIA) leverages blockchain technology to foster transparency and trust among parties without relying on a central authority. Using adaptable challenge sets, MFSSIA allows verified and trusted collaboration between devices, systems, organizations, and individuals within the M2X ecosystem. Current identity authentication systems predominantly use single sign-on (SSO) solutions or rely on limited predefined challenge sets. These systems are typically controlled by governments or large corporations and pose risks related to centralization, such as social or carbon credit-based discrimination. Centralization limits trustful, transparent interactions in M2X environments, where flexible, secure connections between diverse stakeholders are needed. MFSSIA’s challenge/response lifecycle management addresses these limitations, enabling transparent and decentralized authentication. In this research, we propose an MFSSIA challenge/response lifecycle and evaluate its performance using Colored Petri Nets within an e-health application domain. The lifecycle design improves the security, reliability, and efficiency of the identity authentication process in M2X interactions.