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BLOCKSAGE: Blockchain-Based Cloud Architecture for Sensitive Data Management in SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Olga Ascue

    (Information Systems Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. El Derby 254, Santiago de Surco, Lima 15033, Peru)

  • Omar Valle

    (Information Systems Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. El Derby 254, Santiago de Surco, Lima 15033, Peru)

  • José Santisteban

    (Information Systems Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. El Derby 254, Santiago de Surco, Lima 15033, Peru)

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges from security breaches, which can jeopardize their operational sustainability. This study presents the BLOCKSAGE SME system, a model designed to enhance the security of sensitive data storage and transfer. The system integrates customizable cloud infrastructure, private blockchain networks, Zero Trust architecture, a scalable API, and IPFS encryption, ensuring data privacy and business continuity. Based on a comprehensive literature review of blockchain-based solutions for SMEs, a web-based file-sharing prototype was developed and tested to validate the framework. The system was then evaluated through expert judgment and feedback from SME leaders. The results showed a satisfaction score of 4.06 from cybersecurity and blockchain specialists and 4.2 from the target SME audience on a Likert scale, indicating the system’s feasibility and effectiveness. While the system provides robust security measures, adoption challenges were identified, including the early-stage maturity of blockchain technology and cultural and workforce-related barriers within the Peruvian SME ecosystem. In conclusion, the findings suggest that blockchain-based architectures hold strong potential for addressing security gaps in SMEs, but implementation faces current limitations in resources and knowledge. Future research should explore adapting the system as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution to improve scalability and accessibility, further supporting the sustainability of SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Ascue & Omar Valle & José Santisteban, 2025. "BLOCKSAGE: Blockchain-Based Cloud Architecture for Sensitive Data Management in SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1352-:d:1585630
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Changjuan Zheng & Xu Huang & Ying Xu, 2023. "The Impact of Blockchain on Enterprises Sharing Real Data Based on Dynamic Evolutionary Game Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-34, June.
    2. Henry M. Kim & Marek Laskowski, 2018. "Toward an ontology‐driven blockchain design for supply‐chain provenance," Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(1), pages 18-27, January.
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