A Blockchain-Based Security Framework for Privacy-Preserving Data Management in Cloud Computing

Abstract

Cloud computing provides flexible and scalable services for storing, processing, and sharing large amounts of data. Organizations increasingly use cloud platforms because they reduce infrastructure costs and provide convenient access to computing resources. However, storing sensitive information in centralized cloud environments creates several security and privacy challenges. Unauthorized access, data modification, insider threats, weak access control, and limited transparency are major concerns in cloud data management. Traditional security mechanisms such as authentication and encryption provide protection, but they still depend heavily on centralized cloud service providers. This paper proposes a Blockchain-Based Security Framework for Privacy-Preserving Data Management in Cloud Computing. The proposed framework combines blockchain, encryption, smart contracts, secure cloud storage, and access-control mechanisms. Sensitive data are encrypted before being stored in the cloud, while blockchain maintains important metadata, integrity information, and access records. Smart contracts automatically verify user permissions and control access to cloud resources. The framework also provides a tamper-resistant audit trail for monitoring data-management activities. By separating actual data storage from blockchain-based security records, the proposed approach avoids storing large files directly on the blockchain. The framework aims to improve data confidentiality, integrity, privacy, accountability, and access transparency in cloud computing environments.