Blockchain for Secure Identity Management: A Systematic Review of Technologies, Applications, and Research Directions

Abstract

Introduction: Ensuring secure and efficient identity management is crucial in an era where digital identities support numerous online services. Traditional Identity Management Systems (IDMS) face challenges such as data breaches, lack of user autonomy, and centralization risks, necessitating the exploration of decentralized alternatives. The review paper assesses blockchain-based IDMS as a potential solution, examining its benefits, challenges, and the role in improving security and privacy. Methods: This study conducts a systematic literature review of recent advancements in blockchain- based IDMS, drawing from peer-reviewed sources published between 2017 and 2024. The analysis focuses on security mechanisms, integration challenges, technological innovations, and their implications for digital identity management. Results: Blockchain-based IDMS offer many significant advantages, like enhanced security and privacy protection of identity data by the users. However, many challenges remain ahead, including the issue of scalability, interoperability with existing systems, and issues of regulatory acceptance. The advancements in this space are driven forward by recent innovations, such as zero-knowledge proofs and decentralized identifiers. Discussion: The review highlights blockchain’s transformative potential in addressing the flaws of traditional IDMS. While it offers notable improvements in privacy and user autonomy, successful real-world deployment requires overcoming technical and legal hurdles. These include adapting to existing standards and gaining acceptance among regulatory bodies. Conclusion: Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize digital identity management by overcoming several traditional IDMS limitations. While promising, further research is needed to overcome integration challenges and ensure regulatory compliance for real-world deployment.