SafeDox: A Review on Secure Document Sharing Using Blockchain, IPFS, and End-to-End Encryption

Abstract: The need for the development of more efficient document-sharing mechanisms has been brought about by an increased demand for secure data sharing due to developments in cloud computing and digital communication systems. Traditional centralized platforms for data sharing have several limitations such as data leaks, insecurity, single point of failure, and non-transparency. Hence, the need for developing advanced technology like blockchain, IPFS, and encryption is paramount. In the current review article, the discussion has been focused on various methods of secure document-sharing platforms, including blockchain, IPFS, and encryption algorithms. Through blockchain, it is possible to achieve data integrity, data tampering, transparency, and data authentication. Besides, IPFS enables users to employ decentralized storage services that can store huge amounts of data. Similarly, various algorithms for secure encryption like AES-256 and ECC have been considered as they ensure encryption keys and data transfers. Further, different studies and approaches have been compared in terms of methods, merits, drawbacks, and security considerations. Finally, some areas that have not been explored adequately like privacy protection, access control, scalability and complexity of the system have been highlighted as gaps. Consequently, a SafeDox framework has been proposed.

Keywords: Blockchain, IPFS, Secure Document Sharing, AES-256, ECC, Smart Contracts, End-to-End Encryption, Decentralized Storage.