Unlocking Secure Horizons: Leveraging Blockchain as a Cloud Shield

Unlocking Secure Horizons: Leveraging Blockchain as a Cloud Shield

Shalbani Das, Soumyajeet Sarkar
Copyright: © 2023 |Pages: 24
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-0593-5.ch016
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Abstract

Cloud computing revolutionized business data management yet introduced security risks. This chapter assesses blockchain's impact on cloud security, highlighting the pros and cons. It introduces blockchain's role in addressing cloud security concerns via decentralization and transparency. The chapter examines how blockchain bolsters cloud security, enhancing data integrity, privacy, and encryption. Despite benefits, deployment challenges are recognized. The chapter explores blockchain's integration with AI/ML and real-world cases, equipping readers to navigate complexities. This empowers secure and resilient cloud computing. Thus, the chapter equips readers with the necessary information to navigate the complexities of deploying blockchain-based cloud security solutions, leading to a future of secure and resilient cloud computing.
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1.0 Introduction To Blockchain Technology In Cloud Security

Blockchain technology revolutionizes cloud security, addressing challenges and opportunities. Understanding its fundamentals is crucial to exploring its potential in cloud computing. The decentralized and distributed nature of blockchain offers solutions for data privacy, integrity, and access control, crucial challenges in cloud environments. By leveraging its transparency and immutability, cloud providers and users can enhance trust, accountability, and security. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey exploring the fusion of blockchain technology with cloud security (Gai et al., 2023).

1.1 Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology revolutionizes data protection and serves as a game-changer for cloud security. Its cryptographically linked data blocks ensure immutability and transparency, forming a tamper-resistant record. This distributed architecture reduces the risk of data breaches and single points of failure, strengthening cloud security. The blockchain's consensus algorithms further enhance transaction security, preventing unauthorized access attempts (Sarmah et al., 2018). With unparalleled resilience, blockchain empowers cloud infrastructures, instilling confidence in a safer and more robust digital ecosystem for businesses and users. Blockchain architecture comprises several layers that work collaboratively to form a decentralized and secure system. They have been discussed along with the help of a diagram below.

Figure 1.

Layers of blockchain architecture

979-8-3693-0593-5.ch016.f01
  • 1.

    Application Layer: This is the topmost layer where decentralized applications (DApps) are built and executed, interacting with the underlying layers to access blockchain functionalities.

  • 2.

    Consensus Layer: Responsible for bringing network nodes to a consensus regarding the legitimacy of transactions. To validate and add new blocks, the blockchain employs a number of consensus mechanisms, including Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).

  • 3.

    Network Layer: Handles communication and connectivity between nodes in the blockchain network, ensuring data synchronization and information propagation.

  • 4.

    Data Layer: Stores blockchain data, including transactions and smart contract code, organized into blocks. Each block has a cryptographic link to the previous block, ensuring immutability and data integrity.

  • 5.

    Hardware Layer: The actual network support system for the blockchain, comprising nodes, mining machinery, and other hardware elements required for network functionality.

These layers work together to build a solid basis for blockchain technology that enables safe, open, and impenetrable transactions and applications.

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