Application describes a way to augment domain registrations with blockchain technology.
Communications firm Verizon has filed a patent application (pdf) for Systems and methods for blockchain-based domain registration and device authentication.
The abstract for the patent is:
In some implementations, a device may receive a request to add a domain to a blockchain. The request may include data that indicates a public key associated with the domain and/or a unique identifier associated with the domain. The device may generate a domain information block, based on the request, that includes the public key associated with the domain and a blockchain identifier that is based on the unique identifier associated with the domain. The device may provide the domain information block to a set of blockchain nodes to add the domain information block to the blockchain.
It seems that a key component of the invention Verizon is pitching is to use blockchain technology to replace the need for security certificates. Verizon explains:
Some implementations described herein may provide systems and methods for blockchain-based domain registration and device authentication (e.g., server authentication) that are independent from certificates (e.g., SSL/TLS certificates). In this way, the systems and methods described herein consume less resources compared to certificate-based authentication techniques. For example, some implementations may provide domain information that is added to a blockchain, and the domain information may be used for authentication and/or for establishing secure communications. As a result, the devices do not need to acquire certificates, exchange certificates, or manage certificates.
The company applied for the patent in November 2022, and it was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today.
Register at Binance