Blockchain-Based Decentralized Document Verification and Its Applications

Abstract

The proliferation of counterfeit academic certificates has engendered unethical practices, thereby depriving meritorious candidates of potential opportunities; this situation subsequently renders conventional document ver- ification methodologies ineffective due to their inherent time-consuming nature, high costs, and susceptibility to manipulation. In response to these pressing challenges, this paper advocates for a blockchain-based decentralized document verification framework that leverages the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and Ethereum blockchain, thereby enhancing security, transparency, and operational efficiency. The system adheres to a meticulously struc- tured methodology whereby applicants initially submit their credentials, which are subsequently authenticated by educational institutions prior to their storage within the IPFS for decentralized file management; concurrently, only the hash of these credentials is retained on the blockchain, effectively reducing costs and augmenting scalability. To assess the system’s efficacy, it was subjected to rigorous testing employing multiple concurrent mechanisms, including Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance, with findings demonstrating that Proof of Stake offers the most optimal equilibrium between velocity and security. The prototype that was developed showcased significant improvements, with verification accuracy, reduced the processing time also minimized the manual effort, furthermore, making the process significantly more efficient than traditional methods. Furthermore, the system accomplished a transaction throughput of 1000 transactions per second, accompanied by an average confirmation time of 5 seconds, thus significantly enhancing operational efficiency for employers and institutions engaged in credential verification. Additionally, a thorough comparative analysis was conducted against traditional methodologies concerning security, processing velocity, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring validation through tamper- proof mechanisms and the mitigation of fraud risks associated with certificates. This research not only bolsters the reliability of document verification but also lays the groundwork for future advancements, including cross-chain integration, AI-driven fraud detection systems, and mobile-based verification applications, all of which aspire to further optimize efficiency and accessibility within academic credential verification processes.