Heightening Security of P2P Networks by Neighborhood Key Method

Most of the current trust models in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are identity based, which means that in order for one peer to trust another, it needs to know the other peer´s identity. In addition, the conventional access control mechanism is not suitable because the P2P networks is decentralize and dynamic one. We propose a neighborhood key method, authentication scheme base on zero-knowledge proof without leaking any sensitive information, each peer shares secrets only with authenticated neighbors, which generate verifiable pseudonym instead of their real identity from using a one-way Hash function. Security analysis proves that this method makes authentication can´t be impersonated, while achieving better anonymity for peers, malicious peers cannot deduce a real identity. And also shows well defending man-in-middle attacks.