A blockchain-based traceable and secure data-sharing scheme

PeerJ Comput Sci. 2023 Apr 4:9:e1337. doi: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1337. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

The traditional data-sharing model relies on a centralized third-party platform, which presents challenges such as poor transaction transparency and unsecured data security. In this article, we propose a blockchain-based traceable and secure data-sharing scheme. Firstly, we designed an attribute encryption-based method to protect data and enable fine-grained shared access. Secondly, we developed a secure data storage scheme that combines on-chain and off-chain collaboration. The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is used to store encrypted data off-chain, and the hash value of encrypted data is stored on the blockchain. To improve data security, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) encryption is performed before the hash value is stored. Finally, we designed a smart contract-based log tracking mechanism. The mechanism stores data sharing records on the blockchain and displays them in a visual form to meet the identity tracking needs of both data sharing parties. Experimental results show that our scheme can effectively secure data, track the identities of both parties sharing data in real-time, and ensure high data throughput.

Keywords: Blockchain; Data sharing; Data tracking; Inter-Planetary File System; Smart contracts.

Grants and funding

The authors received no funding for this work.