Blockchain-Based Cryptographic Methods for Secure Data Provenance

Abstract

Data provenance is critical for establishing the origin, authenticity, and integrity of data in distributed environments. Traditional provenance systems often face challenges such as tampering, lack of transparency, and centralized trust issues. Blockchain technology, with its immutable ledger and decentralized consensus mechanisms, provides a promising solution to these challenges. This article explores blockchain-based cryptographic methods that enhance the security and reliability of data provenance systems. We discuss key cryptographic primitives such as digital signatures, hash chains, and zero-knowledge proofs integrated within blockchain frameworks to guarantee secure and verifiable provenance records. The study also highlights practical implementations and identifies open challenges for future research