Secure Identity-Based Designated Verifier Anonymous Aggregate Signature Scheme Suitable for Smart Grids

Safe and efficient collection of users’ electronic consumption data is a basic function of the smart grid. Anonymous aggregate signature is a fine option to realize this feature, which can not only reduce the computing cost of the data center (DC) but also protect the user’s identity information from leaking. The security proofs of all known identity-based aggregate signature (IBAS) schemes were completed in the random oracle model (ROM). Regrettably, these schemes are not necessarily secure in real life. In this article, we first propose the system model and security demands of an identity-based designated verifier anonymous aggregate signature (IB-DVAAS) scheme for smart grids. We then come up with a concrete scheme, only the designated DC can check the validity of an aggregate signature, but it cannot recognize the real identity of the signers. Next, we display the security proofs in the standard model. Finally, we conduct an analysis on performance for six aggregate signature schemes. Only three pairing operations are required and hash-to-point operations are not used, the calculation cost of the new scheme is lower than that of other schemes.