International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Namita Gokhale
Abstract: In the digital era, data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information have become critical concerns, prompting the need for robust access control mechanisms. Traditional access control models such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) have served as the foundation of enterprise security strategies. However, these models often exhibit vulnerabilities tied to centralization, including single points of failure, susceptibility to insider threats, and limited audit capabilities. Blockchain technology, known for its decentralized architecture and immutable ledger, introduces a paradigm shift in how access control can be enforced across distributed systems. This paper delves into the concept of blockchain-based access control systems tailored for file systems, exploring the foundational technologies, implementation strategies, security implications, and future outlook. Through the use of smart contracts, access decisions can be enforced automatically, eliminating the need for human intervention and enhancing policy adherence. Furthermore, blockchain’s transparency enables comprehensive and tamper-proof auditing of access logs, ensuring accountability across all levels of the organization. Key considerations such as scalability, identity management, policy customization, and integration with traditional infrastructure are thoroughly discussed. Challenges, including transaction throughput limitations, storage constraints, and regulatory compliance, are addressed with emerging solutions such as Layer 2 protocols and privacy-preserving technologies. Real-world implementations and use cases further underscore the practical viability of the approach. In summary, blockchain-based access control for file systems offers a future-ready solution that aligns with the security, transparency, and auditability demands of modern enterprises.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16750850
