Scientists from the Department of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) at St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" (SPbGETU "LETI") and colleagues from the Chinese Jiangxi Agricultural University have developed a new mechanism for storing and managing files in cloud storage.
The mechanism is based on blockchain technology. A "digital intermediary" is created between the user and the server, making it impossible to delete or transfer any files without the user's knowledge.
[...] On the one hand, a higher degree of encryption of stored data can be ensured. On the other hand, blockchain chains will allow storing the history of operations with files. Therefore, if the cloud server tries to do something with the file without the user's permission, the user will be informed about it, and he will be able to prevent data leakage, for example, by activating a new encryption mechanism.
Currently, there are several ways to solve the problem of reliable storage and deletion of files in the cloud. One of the most effective methods is to encrypt files before uploading them to the server. However, there is still a risk that encrypted data may fall into the hands of attackers and be hacked without the user's knowledge.
The technology of Russian and Chinese specialists allows creating a three-level system "user — blockchain system — cloud service". Thanks to this connection, issues of access to files will be resolved upon agreement of the parties.
The developers note that the cloud server still provides the infrastructure not only for data storage but also for the execution of protective blockchain chains. At the same time, users can be sure of ensuring the confidentiality of their information, and cloud storage will become more attractive to a new audience.
The development has been recognized at the international level: the results of the study are published in the scientific journal Future Generation Computer Systems.
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