Legacy Software Made Tamper-Proof: A Case Study of Using HyperLedger Fabric in the Steel Industry

This paper presents a novel approach to securing legacy software systems in the steel industry using permissioned blockchain technology, specifically Hyperledger Fabric. Unlike previous studies that proposed redesigning entire systems to convert them into Web 3.0 decentralized applications (DApps), our research focuses on securing the database level. This decision was driven by the company's reluctance to undergo costly system overhauls and the need for a more cost-effective solution. We propose a blockchain-based data pump architecture that integrates an existing Microsoft SQL Server DBMS with Hyperledger Fabric. This architecture ensures secure, tamper-proof data transfer and validates the data using oracles, preserving data integrity. The case study demonstrates how this approach addresses issues of sensitive data manipulation and lack of traceability in the steel industry. The user feedback and performance evaluations highlighted the effect of using the proposed integration solution in enhancing the security and transparency in legacy systems without the need for complete system redesigns, offering an affordable alternative for industries seeking to modernize their infrastructure while maintaining existing workflows.