SecureCare: A blockchain-assisted wearable body area network for secure and scalable IoT healthcare services

The utilization of Internet of Things (IoT)-based networks in healthcare systems has witnessed a notable increase, particularly in services like remote patient monitoring. However, specific vulnerabilities have become apparent as more individuals connect to these networks. One pressing concern revolves around safeguarding the privacy of users' confidential information. Given the extensive reliance on sensitive data in such services, apprehensions arise regarding the security of this information within the system. Moreover, the substantial volume of real-time data transmission poses scalability challenges for the network. This work introduces SecureCare, a novel solution for enhancing wearable IoT healthcare by proposing a blockchain-empowered Wearable Body Area Network (WBAN) framework. Our aim to employ blockchain technology stems from its robust security capabilities, thanks to its tamperproof and decentralized structure that effectively safeguards network data. Finally, SecureCare was evaluated on a public blockchain network, where it demonstrated improvements in efficiency and reliability. This validation confirms its potential as a robust solution for enhancing security in wearable IoT healthcare systems.