Edge Computing-Assisted Internet of Things: A Blockchain-Based Approach to Security and Privacy Concerns

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects billions of heterogeneous smart devices that generate massive data volumes and require real-time processing, straining traditional centralized cloud architectures in terms of latency, bandwidth, and security. This paper surveys edge computing-assisted IoT (EC-assisted IoT), introducing its definitions, applications, architecture, benefits, and challenges. It analyzes security and privacy in EC-assisted IoT, detailing major threat categories and corresponding countermeasures, and organizes existing work according to security services, goals, and roles. A particular focus is placed on integrating blockchain with edge computing in the Edge-of-Things (EoT) to enhance trust management, attack detection, data privacy preservation, and access authentication. The study systematically reviews contemporary technologies and frameworks, highlighting how blockchain features such as decentralization, immutability, and traceability can strengthen IoT security and privacy at the edge. It concludes by identifying open research issues and future directions for building secure, privacy-preserving EC-assisted IoT systems using emerging technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.