File Registration and Verification Methods on Blockchain
Key Glossary
Blockchain: A distributed database that records registration information in the form of ever-growing blocks. Blockchain has the characteristics of being tamper-proof, open and transparent, and decentralized.
File Identifier: Unique identification information contained in a file, used to distinguish different files on the blockchain. The identifier of a PDF file is usually an array containing two strings, the first string is a permanent identifier, and the second string is a variable identifier.
Hash: A fixed-length string obtained by calculating a file through a hash function, which can be used as a digital fingerprint of the file. Commonly used hash functions include SHA-256, etc.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): A system that uses public key cryptography to ensure information security. The user signs the file hash value with a private key, and the recipient can use the user's public key to verify the authenticity of the signature.
Digital Signature: A piece of data obtained by encrypting the file hash value using the user's private key, which can be used to verify the integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation of the file.
File Reference: Information stored on the blockchain, including file identifiers, digital signatures, and user identities, used to prove the existence and authenticity of files.
Timestamp: An electronic certificate that records the time of an event, which can prove that a file existed at a specific point in time.
Web of Trust: A decentralized user identity authentication mechanism in which users guarantee each other to establish a trust relationship.
Certificate Authority (CA): An authority responsible for issuing and managing digital certificates to verify user identity information.
Short Answer Questions
Please briefly describe the basic process of the proposed blockchain-based file registration and verification method.
What role does the file identifier play in? How does it differ from a hash value?
How is the "digital signature" mentioned in generated? What information does it contain?
Please explain how blockchain technology ensures the integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation of files in.
What are the advantages of the proposed method compared to traditional digital signature methods?
What is the "web of trust" mentioned? What role does it play in user identity authentication?
What is the role of the "blockchain identifier" mentioned?
What is the "hash-related string" mentioned? How does it differ from a hash value?
What is the "supplemental hash value" mentioned? What is its role?
What is the role of the "location" information mentioned?
Answer to the short answer question
The method first receives the file uploaded by the user, calculates the file hash value, and generates a file reference containing the file identifier, digital signature and user identity information. Finally, the file reference is registered on the blockchain to complete the registration of the file.
The file identifier is used to uniquely identify a file on the blockchain, while the hash value is used to verify the integrity of the file. The file identifier can be part of the file content or exist independently of the file content; the hash value is calculated based on the file content.
The digital signature is obtained by encrypting the file hash value using the user's private key, which contains the encrypted hash value and the public key information for decryption.
The immutability of the blockchain ensures the integrity and authenticity of the file registration information, while the timestamp can prove that the file existed at a specific point in time. The digital signature can be used to verify the source and integrity of the file, thereby ensuring the non-repudiation of the file.
Compared with the traditional digital signature method, the proposed method has the advantages of decentralization, high transparency, strong security, and easy traceability.
"Trust network" is a decentralized user identity authentication mechanism in which users guarantee each other to establish a trust relationship. In the , the trust network can be used to verify the user's identity information and ensure that only authorized users can register and verify files.
"Blockchain identifier" is used to identify the specific blockchain used to register files, preventing users from being directed to fake blockchains.
"Hash-related string" is a string generated based on the file hash value and other information, such as file location, previous version, etc. Using "hash-related string" can provide more flexible signing and verification methods.
"Supplementary hash value" refers to the hash value calculated using other hash functions in addition to the default hash value. Using supplementary hash values can further enhance security. Even if the default hash function is cracked, the integrity of the file can still be verified by the supplementary hash value.
"Location" information is used to indicate the storage location of the file, which is convenient for users to access the file. Using blockchain to record the file location can solve the problem of link failure. Even if the original location fails, users can still find the latest location of the file through the blockchain.
Argumentative paper topic
Please analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method in different application scenarios, such as electronic contract signing, intellectual property protection, supply chain management, etc.
Please explore the similarities and differences between the proposed method and other file registration and verification methods, such as digital timestamp services, digital copyright management systems, etc.
Please analyze the security challenges that the proposed method may face in practical applications, such as the threat of quantum computing to encryption algorithms, the security vulnerabilities of the blockchain itself, etc.
Please explore the impact of the proposed method on the construction of future digital identity authentication and trust systems.
Please analyze the applicability of the proposed method on different types of blockchain platforms, such as public chains, consortium chains, private chains, etc.