A Trustless Cloud Storage Framework Integrating IPFS and Solidity Smart Contracts

Abstract

Abstract The rapid increase in digital data has led to heavy reliance on centralized cloud computing. Consequently, users are exposed to critical vulnerabilities, including unauthorized access, privacy invasion, and single points of failure. This study proposes a cloud storage system that is trustless to address these challenges that have persisted. The underlying methodology utilizes distributed data hosting based on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and decentralized access control through Solidity smart contracts. Under this architecture, file metadata is stored safely on an unalterable blockchain registry, and the media files are stored off-chain. These contracts are automatically run by granular access controls like specific public and private visibility modes. At any point, no outside intervention of a third party is needed. The system was checked during the testing time in terms of a functional accuracy in regards to a secure storage, verifiable retrieval, and instant revocation of permissions. According to the key results, the elimination of intermediary control, prevention of unauthorized access to data attempts, and high data availability are achieved. In conclusion, this shows that a combination of programmable smart contracts and peer-to-peer storage will provide a potentially scalable and secure alternative to the traditional cloud architecture. This leads to a considerable improvement in user data sovereignty and systemic resilience as a whole. Keywords Ethereum, Solidity, IPFS, Smart Contracts, Decentralized Storage