Application of blockchain technology for data security: case study of global mission services' digital platform

Abstract

In the contemporary digital era, the security of online data is a critical concern for organisations, institutions, and individuals. With the rapid proliferation of digital platforms, particularly in service-based sectors, safeguarding sensitive information has become paramount. This dissertation explores the application of blockchain technology for enhancing data security on a service-based digital platform, focusing specifically on the Global Mission Services (GMS) platform, which integrates accommodation and logistics services for missionaries in South Africa and Eswatini. The motivation for this research stems from the challenges faced by missionaries in locating secure and affordable accommodation during their travels. These challenges are exacerbated by the lack of synergy among different missionary networks, which often operate independently and within their own congregations. Existing digital platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are not tailored to the unique needs of missionaries and do not offer the required level of data security, particularly when sensitive information is stored in the cloud. Blockchain technology, known for its decentralised, transparent, and tamper-resistant nature, offers a promising solution to these challenges. This research aims to develop and implement a blockchain-based framework to secure data on the GMS digital platform, thereby enhancing the platform's confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). The research addresses the identified gaps in the existing literature, particularly the lack of practical applications of blockchain in securing data on service-based platforms. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach through an explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data were first collected and analysed to identify the requirements and perceptions of the target users’ missionaries regarding online data security. This was followed by qualitative analysis to gain deeper insights into the findings. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was employed to guide the development of the Blockchain framework, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of the GMS platform. Key components of the research include a comprehensive literature review and bibliometric analysis of existing digital platforms and their business models, as well as an in-depth study of blockchain technology and its application in data security. The developed framework was tested on the GMS platform using Ethereum, a public blockchain that supports smart contracts and decentralised applications (DApps). System testing involved the use of various web resources including Interplanetary File System (IPFS), Hardhat, Polygon, Infura, and MetaMask to evaluate the platform’s adherence to the CIA Triad. The findings of this study demonstrate that blockchain technology can significantly enhance the security of service-based digital platforms. This was proven through the literature review and confirmed by the system testing. The GMS platform, when secured with Blockchain, showed improved data integrity, transparency, and decentralisation, which are critical for building trust among missionaries and facilitating the efficient use of accommodation resources. The research also highlights the potential of Blockchain to lower operational costs by streamlining the management of multiple systems under a single, secure digital platform. This dissertation contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the use of blockchain technology for data security, particularly in the context of service-based platforms in developing countries. The practical framework developed in this study provides a robust solution that can be adapted to similar contexts, addressing the broader challenge of securing sensitive data in the digital age.