Data Sharing in Cloud Environment through Blockchain and IPFS in Secure Manner

Abstract

In modern cloud computing environments,dataisoftenstoredoncloud servers in the form of ciphertext to ensure security and confidentiality. Access to this encrypted data typically requires a third party to provide an access key to the consumer.However,theexistinguseofthe SHA-256 encryption method has limitations, as it leaves the data vulnerable totampering.Toaddressthisissue,aProof of Stake (PoS) algorithm is proposed as a more secure alternative. In this approach, data is encrypted usinga robust encryption algorithm,andalltransactionsarerecorded on a blockchain using the PoS algorithm. This method not only enhances data security by making tampering more difficult but also ensures the integrity of transactions by securely storing them in blocks.Theproposedsystemoffersa more resilient and tamper-resistant solution for cloud data storage and access, managing sensitive information in the cloud. Additionally, it reduces dependency on third-party key providers, further minimizing security risks.

Introduction

With the evolution of cloud computing, data security and efficient sharing have become significant challenges. Traditional centralized cloud storage is prone to cyberattacks, internal misuse, and single points of failure. To address these concerns, a hybrid, semi-decentralized model is proposed, integrating Blockchain, the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), and cloud storage to enhance data confidentiality, access control, and integrity.

Core Technologies:

1. IPFS

   • Decentralized, peer-to-peer file storage system.

   • Files are split, hashed, and distributed across multiple nodes.

   • Enhances availability, redundancy, tamper resistance, and efficiency.

2. Blockchain

   • Distributed ledger technology ensuring data immutability and transparency.

   • Used for access control, transaction logging, and preventing unauthorized modifications.

   • Smart contracts automate access rights and policies.

Proposed System Features:

1. Encryption with XChaCha20

   • Secure stream cipher with extended nonce support.

   • Ensures confidentiality of data before uploading to cloud storage.

2. Proof of Stake (PoS) Blockchain

   • Validates transactions via stakeholder consensus, reducing energy consumption and improving scalability.

   • Provides a secure, tamper-proof environment for managing cloud data.

3. User Authentication & Key Management

   • Decentralized key pairs stored on the blockchain.

   • Enhances identity verification and reduces reliance on third-party systems.

4. Access Control & Authorization

   • Smart contracts enforce Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

   • Logs all interactions on the blockchain for accountability.

5. Data Integrity Monitoring

   • SHA-256 hashing and Merkle Trees verify data authenticity and detect tampering.

   • Anomaly detection systems issue alerts on unauthorized changes.

6. Performance & Scalability

   • Distributed architecture with IPFS and PoS improves efficiency and fault tolerance.

   • Load balancing and off-chain storage optimize speed and capacity.

Evaluation Metrics:

• Encryption/Decryption Efficiency: Linear time complexity, enabling fast processing of large datasets.

• Security: High resistance to brute force, nonce reuse, and data breaches.

• Scalability & Reliability: Parallel data processing and fault tolerance ensure consistent performance under heavy loads.

• Traceability & Transparency: Time-stamped blockchain records ensure full visibility and auditability.

Comparative Literature Insights:

• Various studies highlight the use of blockchain in supply chain traceability, medical record sharing, smart grid security, and forensic data management.

• Common benefits include improved data integrity, automation, access control, and regulatory compliance.

• Encryption and key management further enhance security and privacy.

Results & Benefits:

• Improved Integrity: Immutable, tamper-proof data logging ensures reliability in sensitive applications like forensics.

• Enhanced Security: XChaCha20 encryption keeps data confidential, even if unauthorized access occurs.

• Automation: Smart contracts remove the need for manual oversight.

• Transparency & Traceability: Every transaction is visible and verifiable, fostering trust among users.

• Efficiency: Combines the benefits of decentralized storage and blockchain validation without the latency of fully decentralized models.

Conclusion

Inconclusion,theintegrationofthe Proof of Stake (PoS) algorithm with XChaCha20 encryption provides a robust and efficient approach to securingsensitive data in cloud environments. By leveragingthehigh-speedperformanceand cryptographic strength of XChaCha20, the system ensures data confidentialitywithout compromising efficiency. Meanwhile,PoS-basedblockchainsecurity enhances data integrity and authentication by recording transactions in an immutable, decentralized ledger, making unauthorized modifications highly impractical. This approach eliminatesrelianceonthird-party key providers, reducing security vulnerabilities and strengthening overall data protection. The combination of PoS and XChaCha20 offers a scalable, verifiable, and tamper-resistant framework, ensuring secure and reliable cloud data management.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mrs. S. Sri Sayelakshmi, Dr. R. G Suresh Kumar, M Harini, B Oviya. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.