Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) offers a secure and lightweight
alternative to traditional cryptography for authentication due to their unique
device fingerprint. However, their dependence on specialized hardware hinders
their adoption in diverse applications. This paper proposes a novel blockchain
framework that leverages SoftPUF, a software-based approach mimicking PUF.
SoftPUF addresses the hardware limitations of traditional PUF, enabling secure
and efficient authentication for a broader range of devices within a blockchain
network. The framework utilizes a machine learning model trained on PUF data to
generate unique, software-based keys for each device. These keys serve as
secure identifiers for authentication on the blockchain, eliminating the need
for dedicated hardware. This approach facilitates the integration of legacy
devices from various domains, including cloud-based solutions, into the
blockchain network. Additionally, the framework incorporates well-established
defense mechanisms to ensure robust security against various attacks. This
combined approach paves the way for secure and scalable authentication in
diverse blockchain-based applications. Additionally, to ensure robust security,
the system incorporates well-established defense mechanisms against various
attacks, including 51%, phishing, routing, and Sybil attacks, into the
blockchain network. This combined approach paves the way for secure and
efficient authentication in a wider range of blockchain-based applications.