Implementing Blockchain Technology to Enhance Cybersecurity Measures in Cloud Computing Environments

Blockchains have become the foundation of many cloud services, and cloud computing has benefited from this novel technology by making it more secure. This synthesis explores ten articles that look into approaches to mitigate security issues of cloud computing using the blockchain.  Each article is examined with respect to the problem it identifies, its research questions, its methodology, its alignment of methods to objectives, its outcome, and ethical considerations: Implementing Blockchain Technology to Enhance Cybersecurity Measures in Cloud Computing Environments.

Akbar et al. (2024). Blockchain-Based Cyber-Security Trust Model

The problem of secure data transmission in cloud computing environments was addressed by Akbar et al. (2024). The main research question focuses on how a trust model based on the blockchain can help mitigate multi-risk factors in data that are being transferred to the cloud. The authors use quantitative research to develop a blockchain-based cybersecurity trust model along with a multi-risk protection scheme. This model is simulated to help analyze data transmission successfully in real-time situations.

The methodology fits suitably to the research problem and questions and not only affirms the model but also backs it up with solid evidence. The key findings of the study state that data security is significantly enhanced using the model. It would be a good idea to conduct the same study as it gives a quantitative approach to this work to validate the performance.

Bethencourt et al. (2007). Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption

Bethencourt et al. (2007) address access control in encrypted cloud data. In particular, the central question studies how ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) can be used to ensure access policies during the encryption of data. The CP-ABE scheme is designed and analyzed theoretically and algorithmically, and the security of the scheme is analyzed mathematically. This approach is consistent with the problem and research questions because this provides the programmatic basis for applying access control to encrypted data.

The study shows that even with the assumption that arbitrarily complex policies can be arbitrary general access structures, CP-ABE can still be used by powerful data owners to define and enforce access policies. The same theoretical framework would have to be used in replicating this research, which is critical to building the scheme. Replicating this study would involve a similar theoretical approach, essential for establishing the cryptographic foundations of the scheme.

Craveiro Rodrigues et al. (2024). Prichain II—CloudGuardian Security Proposal

Craveiro et al. (2024) focus on cloud data security protection and integration of blockchain technology. The research question looks at how the Ethereum blockchain data and PostgreSQL cloud database can synchronize and control access to data. The researchers adopted a design science research methodology that let them build the Prichain II architecture and assess its performance in an adaptive traffic control scenario.

The chosen approach is appropriate to the research objectives because it presents practical evidence of its applicability. The solution proposed is able to provide a good level of security through the decentralization of data. Conducting this study in a similar manner would be beneficial, as the design science approach effectively bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications.

Dehghantanha et al. (2021). Systematic Literature Review of Blockchain Cybersecurity

Dehghantanha et al. (2021) review the literature systematically to investigate the role of blockchain in cybersecurity. The main question looks at the different uses of blockchain technology and how these improve cybersecurity. The authors used qualitative research, looking at the literature to find trends, challenges, and directions for the future.

This approach fits the research problem as it combines data from existing work to understand the topic. The review found that the blockchain can offer solutions to numerous security challenges in cybersecurity. However, practical implementation challenges remain. A similar approach would be appropriate for aggregating and analyzing existing research to inform future studies.

Haddad Pajouh et al. (2019): Anomaly-Based Intrusion Detection in IoT Networks

The focus of this research was intrusion detection in the backbone networks of IoT. The research question deals with how a two-layer dimension reduction and two-tier classification model can enhance anomaly-based intrusion detection. The proposed model was developed and tested through a quantitative method using real network traffic data.

This method joins in on the research goals that demonstrate the model’s effectiveness through empirical evidence. The study discovers that the model improves the accuracy of detection and reduces complexity. Replicating this study would involve a similar quantitative approach to validate the model’s performance in different network environments.

Rahman et al. (2022). Enhancing Data Security through Blockchain-Based SDN Architecture

The integration of blockchain and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is investigated by Rahman et al. (2022) to improve the security of data in cloud applications with IoT networks. The main question assesses how a distributed blockchain-based SDN architecture helps in addressing security issues in the cloud environment. The authors employ a mixed-methods approach through the design of architecture, simulation analysis, and experiment performance evaluation.

This method meets the research issue as it is designed theoretically and verified experimentally. According to the Study, the architecture improves security, confidentiality, and scalability in cloud computing. It is advisable to do a similar mixed-methodology analysis to assess the design and practical performance of such architectures.

Sahayini (2016): Enhancing ICT Security with Biometric Cryptosystems

Sahayini (2016) deals with the problem of user authentication in the current Information and Communication Technology system. The research question explores how multimodal biometric cryptosystems and continuous user authentication empower the security of a system. The writer utilizes qualitative methods by studying existing biometric authentication methods and proposes a framework that combines multiple biometric modalities along with continuing authentication.

This strategy is aligned with the objectives of the research work in that it provides a comprehensive picture and a new framework that can address some of the challenges which are associated with the different authentication systems. This research indicates that the proposed system has the potential to enhance security through continuous verification. Conducting this study in a similar manner would involve a thorough literature review and the development of an integrative framework, essential for addressing complex authentication issues.

Wang and Luo (2013): Efficient Key-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption

Wang and Luo (2013) examine how to Access Control in the Cloud Computing Environment. The research question is how constant ciphertext length can be ensured in a key-policy attribute-based encryption (KP-ABE) scheme and how efficiency can be improved. The authors work theoretically and algorithmically on a new KP-ABE scheme and provide a mathematical analysis of the performance of the scheme.

Thus, this fits within the research problem as it offers a cryptographic solution designed for resource-constrained environments. The study concludes that the proposed scheme will uphold the security property with the ciphertext length constant. Replicating this study would involve a similar theoretical framework to ensure the scheme’s applicability in practical situations.

Xu et al. (2020): Efficient Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption with Blackbox Traceability

In this work, Xu et al. (2020) examine attribute-based encryption system user accountability in cloud computing. The main question is where to implement blackbox traceability in ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption to identify malicious users. A theoretical technique is used to build an ABE scheme with blackbox traceability and demonstrate security analysis robustness.

This strategy coherently improves security and accountability, meeting research goals. The study reveals that the proposed technique can trace malicious users without affecting system efficiency.. Replicating this study would be advisable as the theoretical design is important in creating secure and accountable encryption systems.

Yazdinejad et al. (2020): Cryptocurrency Malware Hunting

This paper covers the growing issue of cryptocurrency malware in cloud computing. The research topic is whether deep learning can identify and categorize cryptocurrency malware. The authors employ quantitative research to train a deep recurrent neural network (RNN) model using a malware sample data set known for all samples.

This fits the research challenge since it improves malware detection with modern machine learning. Yazdinejad et al. (2020) report that the RNN model accurately classifies bitcoin malware. To validate the effectiveness of the model in different cloud computing environments, a similar quantitative approach is necessary that replicates this study.

Ethical Considerations

The ethics of using blockchain cloud computing for cybersecurity have many implications for society.  One primary concern is data privacy. Although blockchain makes everything visible and immutable, one must ensure that sensitive information is not trapped in any unauthorized hands. A useful way to avoid this is to implement permissioned blockchains or privacy-preserving techniques like zero-knowledge proofs.

Another social issue is about the anonymization of users and their accountability. While anonymity can safeguard users’ privacy, it can also encourage malicious behavior. It is essential to achieve a compromise between anonymity and black box traceability in encryption designs to avoid misuse.

The environmental consequences of blockchain technologies, especially those using energy-consuming consensus mechanisms like proof-of-work, should not be ignored. Experts and others should consider using less harmful consensus algorithms, like proof-of-stake.

Conclusion

The studies that were examined all showed that block technology can work with cloud computing to boost security. There are a variety of methodologies, from algorithm design and framework building to simulating random scenarios and real-world data. To achieve meaningful and applicable results, research problems, questions, and methodology need to be aligned.  In addition, dealing with ethical issues like data privacy, user responsibility, and environmental sustainability is important for progressing through blockchain-based cybersecurity solutions for cloud computing.

References

Akbar, M., Waseem, M. M., Mehanoor, S. H., & Barmavatu, P. (2024). Blockchain-based cyber-security trust model with multi-risk protection scheme for secure data transmission in cloud computing. Cluster Computing, 27, 9091–9105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10586-024-04481-9

Bethencourt, J., Sahai, A., & Waters, B. (2007). Ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption. In 2007 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (SP’ 07) (pp. 321–334). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/SP.2007.11

Craveiro Rodrigues, R., Calhau Mateus, P. M., & Quietinho Leithardt, V. R. (2024). Prichain II: CloudGuardian cloud security proposal with blockchain. arXiv preprint arXiv:2407.19961. https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.19961

Dehghantanha, A., Dargahi, T., & Choo, K.-K. R. (2021). A systematic literature review of blockchain cyber security. Digital Communications and Networks, 7(4), 425–434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcan.2020.10.005

Haddad Pajouh, H., Javidan, R., Khayami, R., Dehghantanha, A., & Choo, K.-K. R. (2019). A two-layer dimension reduction and two-tier classification model for anomaly-based intrusion detection in IoT backbone networks. IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computing, 7(2), 314–323. https://doi.org/10.1109/TETC.2017.2762739

Rahman, A., Islam, M. J., Islam, R., Aziz, A., Kundu, D., Sazzad, S., Karim, M. R., Hasan, M., Elnaffar, S., & Band, S. S. (2022). Enhancing data security for cloud computing applications through distributed blockchain-based SDN architecture in IoT networks. arXiv preprint arXiv:2211.15013. https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.15013

Sahayini, T. (2016). Enhancing the security of modern ICT systems with multimodal biometric cryptosystem and continuous user authentication. International Journal of Information and Computer Security, 8(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJICS.2016.073294

Wang, C., & Luo, J. (2013). An efficient key-policy attribute-based encryption scheme with constant ciphertext length. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2013, Article 416910. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/416910

Xu, S., Yuan, J., Xu, G., Li, Y., & Liu, X. (2020). Efficient ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption with blackbox traceability. Information Sciences, 527, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2020.03.091

Yazdinejad, A., Haddadpajouh, H., Dehghantanha, A., Parizi, R. M., & Srivastava, G. (2020). Cryptocurrency malware hunting: A deep recurrent neural network approach. Applied Soft Computing, 96, 106613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106613

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DIT8925 Week 8 instructions

Overview

This assignment focuses on methodology and the method you might use to address your topic and questions, keeping in mind that the questions should guide the method and that particular questions lend themselves to particular methods. As you find additional library articles related to your topic, focus on the methodology in use: do you see alignment among the problem, questions, and the methods chosen? Why or why not? If you had conducted this study, would you have gone about it in the same way?

Instructions

Using 10 additional articles on your potential topic, include the following in your short MS Word document:

• Summarize the articles paying particular attention to the methodology used.
  • What was the identified problem?
  • What questions were asked?
  • What method or methods were used?
  • Did the methods align with the problem and questions?
  • What were the outcomes of the study?
  • Would you have conducted this study in the same way? Why or why not?
• Identify ethical issues or concerns related to the topic and/or theory.
• As a scholar-practitioner, apply conventions of voice, academic tone, and discipline-specific language.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• Length: 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages.
• Resources: 10 additional scholarly references including seminal. Use primary sources. Include in the Reference section at the end of the paper. See Primary & Seminal Source StrategiesLinks to an external site. for context, as needed.
• APA guidelines: When appropriate, use APA-formatted headings. Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and format. Refer to Academic WriterLinks to an external site. as needed.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 points.

Read the assignment rubrics before submitting your assignment to ensure that you meet all criteria.

Ensure you have not made any grammar, usage, and writing mechanics errors. Visit the Writing Center’s Microsoft EditorLinks to an external site. page for tips on using Microsoft Editor to support your writing.

To further strengthen your writing, use the Turnitin results to revise your work prior to submission for a course grade. For more information, visit the TurnitinLinks to an external site. Campus page.

Portfolio Prompt: Consider adding this assignment to your personal ePortfolio. This assignment demonstrates your ability to study articles on the potential methodology to address your topic and questions for your project. You will want to organize your course assignments to easily support future work on your dissertation or doctoral project and to showcase your knowledge with employers after graduation. For more information on ePortfolio, visit the Campus ePortfolio page.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Develop a scholar-practitioner identity within the discipline.
  • Apply conventions of voice, academic tone, and discipline-specific language.
• Competency 3: Apply an understanding of the importance and value of scholarly discourse in writing and interactions with others.
  • Explain alternatives to the approach in use based on understanding of alignment of topic, problem, questions, and methods.
• Competency 4: Integrate credible scholarly literature to support ideas and concepts with evidence into the selection of a topic appropriate for a degree program.
  • Summarize articles, focused on their methodology as it relates to the potential project topic.
• Competency 7: Analyze methodologies to answer research questions in the literature.
  • Analyze the alignment of problem, questions, and methods.
• Competency 8: Integrate ethics and academic integrity into the development of a researchable topic.
  • Identify ethical issues or concerns related to the topic and/or theory.
• Competency 9: Write in accordance with the academic and professional requirements of the discipline during the research process ensuring appropriate structure, grammar, usage, and style.
  • Convey purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence in grammatically sound sentences.
  • Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.