Digital Certificate Security: A Blockchain-based Approach for Fraud Prevention and Verification

Year 2023, , 1128 - 1138, 28.12.2023

Nihat Zaman , Işıl Karabey Aksakallı , Nursena Bayğın

https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1343747

Abstract

With the rise of digitalization and increased internet usage, digital certificates' security issues have gained significant importance. The utilization of counterfeit certificates can lead to deceptive identity and capability verifications, allowing untrustworthy individuals to assume misleading positions. Simultaneously, factors such as data leaks and technical glitches can jeopardize the security of certificates. These challenges can complicate talent verification processes and result in unsuitable individuals being placed in incorrect roles. The proposed work aims to thwart forged certificates and ensure their verifiability within this context. The methodology employed in the study strives to mitigate potential data loss or accessibility problems by adopting a decentralized storage structure. The primary objective is to establish certificates that are reliable, traceable, and capable of being verified. A rapid and efficient user interface was developed using React.js to achieve this aim. Smart contracts were scripted on the Ethereum blockchain using Solidity, and data, including user information and certificate details, were stored within components like MongoDB. In the phase of practical implementation, diverse scenarios have been designed to facilitate the generation, verification, and monitoring of certificates. The proposed approach is geared towards deterring forgery and enhancing the credibility of certificates. Through this system, users and organizations can authenticate certificates and prevent the proliferation of counterfeit ones. Furthermore, the enhanced security and ease of sharing certificates on digital platforms offer substantial advantages to certificate holders. In summary, this study strives to enhance the safeguarding and dependability of certificates by addressing the security concerns posed by the era of digitalization.

Keywords

Digital Certificate, Smart Contract, Blockchain, NFT

Supporting Institution

Tübitak

Project Number

1919B012223104

Thanks

This research is supported by the 1919B012223104 project fund provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK).

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