## 3 Security Implications and Fundamental Approaches of Blockchain-Based Data Storage Methods
### Blockchain-Based Data Integrity and Traceability Solutions
#### 3.5.3 Achieving Flexibility with Hybrid Storage Solutions
This initiative has proven to reduce diploma fraud and increase employer trust in academic certifications. In the future, greaization in blockchain-based education solutions is expected. Particularly, Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) models will simplify document verification [49; 174]. In supply chain management, blockchain plays a critical role in product traceability and fraud prevention. Projects like IBM Food Trust enhance tracking for sensitive products such as food and pharmaceuticals [103; 171]. However, integrating existing supply chain infrastructures with blockchain poses additional costs and complexity [172; 173]. A real-world case study is Walmart's integration of IBM Food Trust for tracking pork supply chains in China. This blockchain solution reduced the time needed to track contaminated food sources from 7 days to just 2.2 s, highlighting blockchain's impact on safety and supply chain efficiency. Future AI-powered blockchain will optimize decision-making processes in global logistics networks, enhancing traceability and transparency [103; 171; 173]. Projects like IBM Food Trust and TPPsupply will be instrumental in fraud prevention and sustainable logistics management [6; 33]. In the public sector, blockchain is revolutionizing identity verification and official record management [104]. On-chain identity management systems, using Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) approaches, allow individuals to manage personal identity information without relying on a central authority [105; 175]. Projects like Civic utilize blockchain to prevent identity fraud in digital authentication processes [104]. For example, Estonia's e-Residency program leverages blockchain to offer digital identity services to global citizens. This system has facilitated secure cross-border authentication and online business registration, making Estonia a leader in blockchain-based governance. However, the traditional centralized nature administration makes the adoption of blockchain-based identity management systems challenging [175]. In the future, new legal regulations and integration efforts may help mainstream blockchain-based identity management. E-government projects are expected to increasingly adopt blockchain for digital identity verification [104; 175]. In the IoT sector, securing large datasets generated by smart devices and ensuring authorized data access are key challenges [50]. Hybrid solutions, integrating blockchain-based authentication mechanisms, facilitate secure IoT data exchanges [51]. Projects like Helium Network create decentralized wireless networks to enhance secure blockchain-based IoT operations [50; 153]. However, data integrity and traceability limitations present scalability challenges in IoT networks [51]. One real-world implementation of blockchain in IoT is the Helium Network, which enables IoT devices to communicate securely over a decentralized network. This has led to improvements in smart city infrastructure, including environmental monitoring and asset tracking. In the future, advanced security protocols and control mechanisms will play a critical role in managing large-scale data flows [50; 51]. Blockchain-based authentication systems will enhance IoT device security, while decentralized architectures will minimize single points of failure [131; 133; 134]. These sector-specific applications highlight the versatility and adaptability of blockchain-based data storage solutions. Spanning IoT, finance, education, government, and supply chain management, blockchain technologies enhance data security and operational efficiency by providing a robust infrastructure. As industry evolves, blockchain-based storage solutions are expected to develop into more innovative and specialized strategies. The adaptability of on-chain, off-chain, and hybrid storage solutions has the potential to revolutionize various industries. The scalability, security features, and integration capabilities of blockchain enhance data management processes across multiple sectors [20; 42; 97; 166].