Blockcert: Blockchain Based Document Verification System

Abstract

Document verification systems play a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity of certificates, academic records, and official documents. However, traditional verification methods suffer from inefficiencies, high operational costs, and vulnerability to forgery. To address these challenges, this paper presents Blockcert, a blockchain-based document verification system that leverages the decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature of blockchain technology. By utilizing Ethereum smart contracts and a distributed ledger, Blockcert ensures that documents remain tamper-proof and verifiable in real-time without reliance on centralized authorities. Additionally, cryptographic hashing and digital signatures are integrated to enhance security and automate the verification process. This research explores the architecture and implementation of Blockcert, detailing its Ethereum-based smart contract deployment, the use of the Inter Planetary File System (IPFS) for decentralized storage, and the development of a React.js-based web interface for seamless user interaction. A comprehensive security analysis demonstrates how the system upholds document confidentiality, integrity, and availability, while mitigating risks such as unauthorized modifications and data loss. Furthermore, we examine scalability challenges, transaction costs, and real-world limitations, proposing enhancements to optimize performance, interoperability, and adoption. The findings indicate that blockchain technology provides a robust, scalable, and transparent solution for secure document verification, making Blockcert a viable alternative to traditional verification systems.