Citation:

Srinath Muralinathan, 2025. "Enhancing Data Security and Transparency Through Blockchain Technology", ESP Journal of Engineering & Technology Advancements  5(3): 7-17.

Abstract:

Growing dependence on digital surroundings for data storage, transaction handling, and communication has led to newer concerns involving security, privacy, and transparency. Classic centralized systems suffer heavily from cyber attacks, data breach scenarios, and improper modifications that require the implementation of more efficient security frameworks. In that regard, blockchain technology, based on decentralized cryptographic security, is a solution to these aforementioned problems. Aside from guaranteeing immutability, transparency, and security from vulnerabilities, blockchain is also one such technology that acts as a distributed ledger. This review, therefore, discusses mechanisms within blockchain for improving data security through encryption, consensus, and smart contracts, with a transparent view by means of verifiable and immutable records. This leads to a discussion of its applications in major areas including finance, health care, the supply chain, and governance as examples of transformational opportunities. These challenges include scalability, computation costs, and data privacy. Certain initiatives are underway to address these challenges through hybrid architectures and integrating the IoT with digital security. In summary, this review discusses the contribution of blockchain in securing digital infrastructure and envisages its future course for addressing current challenges.

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Keywords:

Blockchain Technology, Data Security, Data Transparency, Distributed Ledger, Immutable Records, Cryptographic Hashing, Decentralization, Smart Contracts, Trustless Systems, Auditable Data.