Enhancing File Security in Cloud using Dynamic Key Encryption and Blockchain Key Management

The security of image files stored in cloud has become increasingly critical due to vulnerabilities in data storage and management along with the increasing dependence on cloud technology. The proposed system presents a two-phase solution to address these challenges by enhancing security and improving the convenience of the user to quickly identify encrypted images owned. The first phase is to secure the image files and generation of encryption keys. The system utilizes dynamic Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to generate unique keys for file encryption to minimize the impact of key compromises. This approach significantly improves the security of files, restraining an attacker from accessing other secured files if the encryption key is compromised. Blockchain technology is incorporated to decentralize key storage and to ensure data integrity. ECC is utilized further to strengthen the security of keys during transmission and storage. The second phase focuses on finding a balance between security and convenience. The system generates a low-resolution thumbnail of the image as a preview image before encryption and is secured with a user-generated password that helps owners quickly identify image files without wasting time to decrypt the entire image.