Blockchain-Powered Certificate Verification using SHA-256 Algorithm

It is a system of management and verification of both professional and academic certificates using Blockchain Technology in a secure manner, as well as a transparent medium. With simple web interface, certificate registration, upload and verification can easily be realized. Whereas, rapid and efficient transaction validation within a private network is ensured using the Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism and the SHA-256 hashing algorithm guarantees the immutability and security of recorded data all at one go. To verify authenticity: Simple matching of the hashes of certificates found in the blockchain records is done. Experimental results show that the time for processing verification of certificates is significantly reduced and that the reliability of the system greatly improves in comparison to standard methods. It demonstrates how blockchain can improve trust, reduce administrative overhead and streamline the process of certificate verification. Future developments might be globalizing the system into the entire world blockchain network as well as incorporating smart contracts for automated certification. The most relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for a student certificate validation project using blockchain technology is SDG 4 – Quality Education. This project ensures the authenticity and transparency of academic records, effectively reducing certificate fraud and enhancing trust among educational institutions, employers, and students.