Secure Storage Layer Using Hybrid Technologies for Decentralized File Storage

Decentralized file storage systems are pivotal for secure and reliable data management in applications such as healthcare. This research proposes a novel hybrid technology integrating the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) to create a secure storage layer for a Blockchain-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. IPFS ensures decentralized data storage with high availability and redundancy, while PBFT provides fault-tolerant consensus to maintain data integrity and consistency across network nodes. The proposed architecture encrypts healthcare records using AES, splits them into chunks for storage on IPFS, and employs PBFT to validate transactions, ensuring resilience against faulty or malicious nodes. The hybrid approach achieves robust security, scalability, and fault tolerance, making it ideal for sensitive medical data management. Experimental outcomes demonstrate enhanced data integrity, availability, and reliability, positioning this solution as a significant advancement in decentralized storage for healthcare applications.