Tamper-proof multitenant data storage using blockchain

Abstract

Technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), cloud, artificial intelligence, blockchain etc. have become a perceptible part of our lives resulting in the generation of enormous amounts of data. Consequently, the systems used for storage and processing of this data are required to be scalable for handling the huge volumes of data. A shared, multitenant system such as a cloud-based storage-as-a-service provides scalability of storage as well as economics of sharing. However, there is a risk of data tampering when multiple tenants work in a shared environment. The benefits of a multitenant solution can be leveraged only if tenants’ data is isolated from each other. Further, prevention of data tampering from malicious tenant nodes is also required. Therefore, the paper proposes the use of a private blockchain for an implementation of a multi-tenant-based storage system. The objective is to develop a scalable system where tenants’ data is not at a risk of tampering. The efficacy of the proposed system has been demonstrated with synthetic data of multiple tenants using a Software as a Service (SaaS) healthcare application.

Blockchain technology and federated machine learning for collaborative initiatives in orthodontics and craniofacial health

“…A blockchain is a distributed ledger (database that is consensually shared and synchronized by multiple sites) and each block comprises information on all transactions that is time stamped, cryptographic hash of the current block, and a hash of the previous block. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][20][21][22][23][24][25] Each block is connected through the hash. Each block of data is authenticated and verified and consequently is tamper proof.…”

“…Each block of data is authenticated and verified and consequently is tamper proof. [20][21][22][23][24][25] Once a block is created and authenticated, it is almost impossible to change the data in the block as it would necessitate all subsequent blocks to be changed. Altering the blocks would be extremely challenging computationally and requiring enormous amounts of power.…”

“…Unlike the traditional databases that are used in the healthcare landscape which are controlled by one single organization, a blockchain network is a distributed consensus algorithm and there is no centralized authority. [20][21][22][23][24][25] Therefore, a single point of failure cannot happen. Each and every transaction in a blockchain can be traced with verifiable time stamps and all stakeholders that participate in the network can view the transactions.…”

“…Each block is connected through the hash. Each block of data is authenticated and verified and consequently is tamper proof 20–25 . Once a block is created and authenticated, it is almost impossible to change the data in the block as it would necessitate all subsequent blocks to be changed.…”

“…Consequently, a blockchain is immutable. Unlike the traditional databases that are used in the healthcare landscape which are controlled by one single organization, a blockchain network is a distributed consensus algorithm and there is no centralized authority 20–25 . Therefore, a single point of failure cannot happen.…”