Unauthorized Alteration Research Articles

Role of Encryption/decryption Key in Cryptography

Abstract — Cryptography is a powerful technique for securing data and communication. cryptography is a technique used to encrypt and decrypt the data. A technique encryption (hiding information) data will be encoded which is used to provide secure data to prevent from fraud user and hackers where decryption is used to convert the encoded data into user readable format. It is used for storage and transmission compression is a reduction in the number of bits needed to represent the data."Cryptography algorithms serve the crucial purpose of safeguarding sensitive data. As the internet has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, experiencing rapid growth over recent decades, ensuring data security has emerged as a paramount concern for every individual connected to the web. Data security guarantees that our information remains accessible solely to its intended recipient while thwarting any unauthorized alterations or tampering attempts. Achieving this high level of security necessitates the utilization of diverse algorithms and techniques. Cryptography encompasses methods that encode data through specific algorithms, rendering it indecipherable to the naked eye unless decoded using predetermined algorithms set by the sender.

Blockchain Technology: A Revolutionary Tool Against Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a significant global health threat, with dire consequences ranging from ineffective treatment to severe health complications and death. This paper explores how blockchain technology (BCT) can revolutionize the fight against counterfeit drugs and enhance healthcare integrity. Counterfeit drugs are defined as medications falsely claiming their source, efficacy, or validity, often containing incorrect amounts of active ingredients or harmful substances, leading to various adverse patient outcomes. Counterfeit drugs remain prevalent, especially in countries labeled as LMICs, with 13.6% an estimate of medications being counterfeit, resulting in financial repercussions exceeding $200 billion. Blockchain technology offers a robust solution to these challenges through its decentralized, tamper-proof digital ledger system. Each transaction recorded on the blockchain is immutable and transparent, ensuring data integrity and preventing unauthorized alterations. This technology can significantly enhance drug traceability, allowing stakeholders to verify the authenticity of medications from manufacture to patient delivery. Blockchain technology's promise to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security in healthcare is compelling. Its adoption can lead to a more resilient, equitable, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem, reducing counterfeit drugs and improving overall patient care. As blockchain solutions mature and gain acceptance, their impact on the healthcare value chain—from drug discovery to patient care—will become increasingly significant, driving innovation and advancing global health and well-being.

THE THEORY OF TRANSFORMATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGAL REGIMES USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES: INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

This article is dedicated to the study of the theory of transformation of intellectual property legal regimes through blockchain technologies on an international scale. It focuses on three thematic blocks: firstly, defining the essence of blockchain technologies; secondly, analysing international blockchain technology standards; and thirdly, exploring variations in the use of blockchain technologies for the registration of intellectual property objects. The subject of the study is the social relations in the field of intellectual property and the mechanisms for their regulation. Methodology. The article employs scientific methods of cognition and doctrinal resolution of issues related to the use of digital tools in the regulation of social relations. This encompasses formal-logical and dialectical methodologies. A variety of empirical techniques, including synthesis, deduction, and statistical analysis, were employed. Results. The study reveals the absence of a direct indication of the use or intent to use distributed ledger technology, otherwise known as blockchain technology. The study demonstrates the significance of utilising blockchain technology in maintaining the customs register to account for intellectual property objects protected by law. This ensures the impossibility of unauthorised alteration or deletion of information about intellectual property objects, as provided by distributed ledger technology. These legal relations emerge in the course of entering information into the aforementioned registers, making modifications (updates), and providing information to interested parties. The use of blockchain technologies in the formation of the register of issued certificates of state registration of copyright for a work is justified.

Qualitative Analysis of Cryptanalysis of Images Encrypted by Border Chaotic Cellular-Automaton-Based Model Using Segmentation Techniques

Data transactions on computers and phones have become increasingly common, with numerous entities exchanging both public and private data across expanding networks. However, for sensitive data, such as private information, transmitting it over public access networks like the Internet may pose security risks. Digital images are a particularly representative and increasingly significant data type in this context. To safeguard such data from leaks and unauthorized alterations during transmission, encryption serves as a crucial measure. Various cryptographic algorithms are available, each with distinct security requirements. Among these, encryption algorithms based on Cellular Automata offer alternative solutions characterized by their highly chaotic evolutionary capabilities, providing a significant degree of obfuscation, a critical aspect for maintaining confidentiality. This study employs image segmentation techniques such as k-means clustering, edge detection, and thresholding as tools for cryptanalysis. These segmentation techniques are applied to digital images generated using the Border Chaotic Cellular Automata (BCCA) cryptographic model. This approach enables the identification of artifacts and the highlighting of original image features within low-quality encryption. Conversely, more robustly encrypted images, achieved through additional encryption steps, remain unaffected by these techniques, underscoring the level of confidentiality inherent in the BCCA model.

Optimizing feature extraction for tampering image detection using deep learning approaches

Tamper image detection approach using deep learning involves, creating a model that can accurately identify and localize instances of image tampering, by employing advanced feature extraction methods, object detection algorithms, and optimization techniques that could be manipulated on need basis. Enhance the integrity of visual content by automating the detection of unauthorized alterations, to ensure the reliability of digital images across various applications and domains. The problem addressing the optimization feature extraction techniques involves the detection of subtle manipulations, handling diverse tampering techniques, and achieving robust performance across different types of images and scenarios. The proliferation of sophisticated image editing tools makes it challenging to detect tampered regions within images, necessitating proposed techniques for automated tamper image detection. The research work will focus on four different feature extraction algorithms such as non-negative factorization (NNF), singular value decomposition (SVD), explicit semantic analysis (ESA), principal component analysis (PCA), which are outsourced. Detecting tampered images through deep learning necessitates the meaningful selection and adjustment of several parameters to enhance the model's effectiveness. Integrating the feature extraction algorithm with the suggested methods effectively identifies critical features within the dataset, thereby improving the detection capabilities and achieving higher accuracy.

Tightly-Secure Two-Tier Signatures on Code-Based Digital Signatures with Chameleon Hash Functions

In the current landscape where quantum algorithms pose a significant threat to conventional digital signature algorithms, code-based digital signature algorithms have emerged as the primary focus of ongoing research in post-quantum cryptography. Digital signatures play a pivotal role in ensuring non-repudiation and authentication, making them an indispensable cryptographic technique. The vulnerability of most digital signature algorithms to quantum attacks have prompted a significant surge in research on code-based digital signature algorithms, which have emerged as a prominent field within post-quantum cryptography. There are generally three distinct approaches to constructing code-based digital signature algorithms: (1) Developing an algorithm that follows the inverse process of the code-based public-key encryption algorithm; (2) Utilizing zero-knowledge identification algorithms in conjunction with the Fiat–Shamir paradigm to formulate a signature algorithm; (3) Constructing a specialized subset of the syndrome space as the foundation for the digital signature algorithm. Chameleon Signature is a non-interactive signature that operates on the hash and signature paradigm, exhibiting comparable efficiency to conventional schemes. Its distinct advantage lies in the fact that the owner of the public key does not necessarily require access to the corresponding secret key within the Chameleon hash algorithm. Notably, Chameleon signatures possess an inherent characteristic of non-transferability, with their validity ascertainable solely by designated recipients. This paper introduces the first Chameleon hash function based on both KKS and HFE schemes, showcasing its superiority over traditional schemes through rank metrics and big fields for enhanced security. The deployment of Chameleon hash functions within hash-and-sign signature schemes introduces a nuanced layer of security and verification flexibility. This study elucidates the implications of integrating Chameleon hash functions into the recipient’s public key infrastructure, highlighting the dual capability it affords authorized parties for secure and adaptable verification processes, alongside mechanisms for the detection of unauthorized alterations.

An Implementation of Blockchain Technology in Forensic Evidence Management

The importance of crime forensic data in the criminal justice system is paramount. However, traditional methods of storing this sensitive information have been plagued by issues such as the risk of tampering, human error, and cyber-attacks. This paper proposes a ground breaking solution that leverages Block chain technology to create a tamper-sproof, decentralized repository for crime forensic data. Unlike existing techniques, which often rely on manual documentation or centralized servers, the proposed block chain-based system offers inherent data integrity, auditability, and security features. By shifting to a decentralized model, we not only reduce the risk of unauthorized alterations but also facilitate a more transparent and trustworthy environment for all stakeholders involved in the judicial process. The paper delves into the architectural considerations, security features, and potential challenges associated with implementing this blockchain-based system. Preliminary results indicate that this approach could significantly enhance the credibility and reliability of crime forensic data, thereby contributing to a more just and effective criminal justice system

Deep Learning-Based Watermarking Techniques Challenges: A Review of Current and Future Trends

The digital revolution places great emphasis on digital media watermarking due to the increased vulnerability of multimedia content to unauthorized alterations. Recently, in the digital boom in the technology of hiding data, research has been tending to perform watermarking with numerous architectures of deep learning, which has explored a variety of problems since its inception. Several watermarking approaches based on deep learning have been proposed, and they have proven their efficiency compared to traditional methods. This paper summarizes recent developments in conventional and deep learning image and video watermarking techniques. It shows that although there are many conventional techniques focused on video watermarking, there are yet to be any deep learning models focusing on this area; however, for image watermarking, different deep learning-based techniques where efficiency in invisibility and robustness depends on the used network architecture are observed. This study has been concluded by discussing possible research directions in deep learning-based video watermarking.

Modernizing and Revolutionizing Land Record Management with Blockchain

In the modern era, access to land records has become essential, enabling individuals to verify land ownership for both personal and business purposes. In India, managing land records has proven to be a formidable challenge given the country's vast population. The current system has suffered from incomplete registries, which, in turn, has facilitated fraudulent activities. Moreover, the existing government system is plagued by inconsistencies and involves numerous intermediaries with access to the records, raising concerns about unauthorized alterations. With the increasing acceptance of blockchain technology, the government is actively exploring its implementation to address these issues. In a world moving towards Web 3.0, integrating land records into a blockchain offers significant advantages, primarily through enhanced transparency. This approach ensures that citizens have unhindered access to land records, complete with visual representations on maps, promoting greater inclusivity and accountability

A reversible fragile watermarking technique using fourier transform and Fibonacci Q-matrix for medical image authentication

Image authentication techniques are crucial for a multitude of multimedia applications. When images are transmitted through non-secure channels like the internet, they are vulnerable to unauthorized alterations and manipulations. Therefore, it is essential in sensitive fields, like the medical industry, to employ image authentication techniques to guarantee the integrity and authenticity of transmitted images. In this paper, to address these security issues and to ensure the authenticity of medical images, we present a reversible fragile watermarking model where the watermark is first generated from the cover image using DCT and then encrypted by the Fibonacci Q-matrix technique, enhancing the model’s security. Subsequently, DFT is performed on the host image and the obtained sub-band is segmented into 2 × 2 blocks, the watermark is then embedded within the frequency coefficients using a new embedding technique. Experimental results indicates that the presented model produces a great watermarked image quality, with a PSNR superior to 117 dB, while maintaining an acceptable embedding capacity of 0.25 BPP and high sensitivity to various attacks, as it was tested against 16 different attacks and could detect tampering in all of them. Furthermore, the presented scheme offers nearly perfect reversibility with a PSNR of 324 dB, which is very useful in the medical field where we need images with as little distortion as possible.

Security in cyber physical systems: Transformation and challenges

<p>Network technology has significantly improved due to the growing use of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and communication. The efficiency of these domains has increased overall due to the transmission of sensor data to the cloud and its use by various apps. However, increased data transfer increases the risk of unauthorized modification and data breaches. The degree of risk varies per domain, and security is a crucial area of concentration to mitigate these concerns. Significant developments in network technology have resulted from the growing use of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and communication. The efficiency of these fields has increased overall due to sensor data being sent to the cloud and used by various applications. However, data breaches and unauthorized alteration are risks that come with increased data flow. Depending on the domain, the risk level varies, and security is a key concern in addressing these concerns.</p>

Developing Decentralized Data Storage Network Using Blockchain Technology to Prevent Data Alteration

In the face of escalating global data exchange, the pronounced vulnerability oftraditional centralized storage networks to manipulation and attacks poses a pressing challenge. Digital service providers, entrusted with vast datasets, grapple with the formidable task of ensuring the security, integrity, and continuous availability of their stored information. This paper tackles these multifaceted issues by proposing a decentralized data storage network empowered by blockchain technology. This approach systematically mitigates the inherent susceptibilities of centralized systems, thereby providing heightened resilience against unauthorized alterations and malicious attacks that compromise digital information integrity. Moreover, the decentralized model holds significant promise for securing public data. By leveraging the transparency and immutability of blockchain ledgers, this approach not only safeguards against unauthorized access but also actively fosters transparency and accountability in data management. This makes it particularly well-suited for ensuring the security and integrity of public data, addressing concerns related to trust and reliability in the ever-evolving landscape of information exchange.

Challenges of the Use of Virtual Assets in Money Laundering

Cryptocurrencies have vast potential, but they also present significant risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing due to their technical characteristics. Crypto-assets are essentially applications of blockchain technology, which entails a public, encrypted, and secure ledger distributed across a network of validated computers. Each computer operates with common software that fosters consensus on new entries and prevents unauthorized alterations to the agreed-upon register. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued numerous guidelines on virtual assets, and in September 2020, the European Commission embraced the Digital Finance Package to bring the EU in line with the digital age. A pivotal component of this package is Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated May 31, 2023, on markets in crypto-assets, known as MiCA Regulation. This regulation signifies the EU’s endeavor to standardize the legal framework for crypto assets while actively contributing to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The challenge for regulatory authorities lies in the seizure, confiscation, and forfeiture of crypto-assets as proceeds of crime, given their inherent characteristics that impede traceability. Court decisions outlined in this article underscore the difficulties faced by law enforcement authorities when handling crypto-assets as proceeds of crime. The article examines how European legal authorities and the FATF utilize various legal tools, such as Directives, Regulations, and Guidelines, to adapt to the evolving landscape of virtual assets. To mitigate the risk of forum shopping, where individuals seek the most favorable legal regime, alignment of the legal frameworks of Member States is crucial. The ongoing evolution of the legal framework reflects the persistent challenges posed by virtual assets in the context of criminal activities, prompting a continuous adaptation of regulations by European legal authorities and the FATF.

Blockchain-based auditing of legal decisions supported by explainable AI and generative AI tools

Generative AI tools powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated advanced capabilities in understanding and articulating legal facts closer to the level of legal practitioners. However, scholars hold contrasting views on the reliability of the reasoning behind a decision derived from LLMs due to its black-box nature. Law firms are vigilant in recognizing the potential risks of violating confidentiality and inappropriate exposure of sensitive legal data through the prompt sent to Generative AI. This research attempts to find an equilibrium between responsible usage and control of human legal professionals over content produced by Generative AI through regular audits. It investigates the potential of Generative AI in drafting correspondence for pre-litigation decisions derived from an eXplainable AI (XAI) algorithm. This research presents an end-to-end process of designing the architecture and methodology for a blockchain-based auditing system. It detects unauthorized alterations of data repositories containing the decisions by an XAI model and automated textual explanation by Generative AI. The automated auditing by blockchain facilitates responsible usage of AI technologies and reduces discrepancies in tracing the accountability of adversarial decisions. It conceptualizes the two algorithms. First, strategic on-chain (within blockchain) and off-chain (outside blockchain) data storage in compliance with the data protection laws and critical requirements of stakeholders in a legal firm. Second, auditing by comparison of the unique signature as Merkle roots of files stored off-chain with their immutable blockchain counterpart. A case study on liability cases under tort law demonstrates the system implementation results.

NFTCert: Streamlining Certificate Creation and Verification with Blockchain and NFTs

Abstract: This project emerges from the need to address the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in traditional certificate management and authentication processes across various industries. The project's central objective is to develop an innovative solution by harnessing the power of blockchain technology, with a specific focus on leveraging the Polygon blockchain. The problem it aims to solve is the cumbersome and often error-prone nature of certificate creation and verification. Traditional methods lack transparency and are susceptible to fraud and unauthorized alterations. This project presents an approach to autonomously generate certificates using predefined templates, streamlining the entire certificate creation process. These certificates, along with their associated metadata, are securely stored on the blockchain in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), ensuring immutability and traceability. The methodology employed involves the integration of blockchain and NFT technology to provide a robust and efficient system for certificate management and authentication. It emphasizes transparency, security, and efficiency throughout the process. While the full results and details are discussed in the research paper, this project's implications are far-reaching. It has the potential to revolutionize how certificates are issued, managed, and authenticated across multiple sectors. By enhancing the efficiency and security of this critical component, the project contributes to increased trust, reduced fraud, and improved overall workflow efficiency in industries reliant on certificates.

Non-Changeable Document using Blockchain

The concept of Non-Changeable Documents (NCDs) using blockchain technology is a pivotal development in ensuring data integrity and security. This paper explores the innovative approach of employing blockchain to create immutable records, guaranteeing the authenticity and integrity of documents. NCDs leverage the decentralization and cryptographic features of blockchain, rendering documents unalterable. Their application spans across various industries, including legal, healthcare, and finance, promising significant advantages in terms of fraud prevention, transparency, and compliance. This research paper also delves into the technical underpinnings of NCDs, elucidating the cryptographic mechanisms and consensus protocols that safeguard their reliability. By harnessing the decentralized and tamper-proof nature of blockchain, NCDs provide a formidable solution for organizations seeking to safeguard critical data against unauthorized alterations. This transformative potential of Non-Changeable Documents underscores their ability to elevate document security and establish trust in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. In an era marked by data breaches and concerns over document authenticity, NCDs offer a promising avenue to ensure the integrity and security of sensitive information, reinforcing trust in digital records. Key Words: Blockchain, Documents, Fraud, Smart Contract, Ethereum Blockchain, Security

Spatial Blockchain: Enhancing Spatial Queries and Applications through Integrating Blockchain and Spatial Database Technologies

The fusion of spatial data with blockchain technologies presents an innovative approach towards a decentralized, secure, and trustworthy framework for spatial information management. This integration brings spatial representation to the forefront of blockchain, opening avenues for various sectorial applications. However, challenges like slow processing times, restricted query capabilities, and consistency issues have been identified within the blockchain system. Addressing these challenges, we propose an optimized method for spatial queries by leveraging the high-performance capabilities of spatial databases. Unlike conventional off-chain query techniques, our approach synergistically combines hyperledger fabric with a specialized spatial database. This fusion facilitates distributed spatial queries within blockchain framework, incorporating spatial operation functionalities into smart contracts while preserving the distributed nature of nodes and spatial databases. Enhancing system security, we incorporate a dual-stage verification mechanism alongside a salt-hash storage strategy to counteract potential unauthorized alterations. Initial results validate the efficacy of our methodology in terms of performance and security. Building on this foundation, we introduce a rental transaction system that effectively merges spatial data with blockchain, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of integrating spatial information into the blockchain, especially in the realm of real estate.

Efficient Net B5: A Robust Approach to Detect Morphed Images

Data traffic is important in the transmission and exchange of numerous types of data in the digital environment of the global web, including files and photographs. However, this data is susceptible to unauthorized alterations, particularly in the form of morphing, necessitating the development of effective detection mechanisms. The proposed system serves the purpose of identifying morphed images and informing users about their authenticityThe globe Wide Web's digital surroundings witnesses a constant flow of data in the form of files and photos. Unfortunately, data is not immune to tampering, and as a result, it becomes imperative to detect instances of such alterations. The proposed method aims to identify and flag modified photographs, providing users with insights into the authenticity of images they encounterThe academic industry has showed a renewed interest in addressing the subject of morph attack detection in recent years. Various studies and methodologies have been explored to accurately detect instances of morphing attacks and enhance the security of digital content.

Microcontroller-Based PUF for Identity Authentication and Tamper Resistance of Blockchain-Compliant IoT Devices.

Blockchain-based applications necessitate the authentication of connected devices if they are employed as blockchain oracles. Alongside identity authentication, it is crucial to ensure resistance against tampering, including safeguarding against unauthorized alterations and protection against device counterfeiting or cloning. However, attaining these functionalities becomes more challenging when dealing with resource-constrained devices like low-cost IoT devices. The resources of IoT devices depend on the capabilities of the microcontroller they are built around. Low-cost devices utilize microcontrollers with limited computational power, small memory capacity, and lack advanced features such as a dedicated secure cryptographic chip. This paper proposes a method employing a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) to authenticate identity and tamper resistance in IoT devices. The suggested PUF relies on a microcontroller's internal pull-up resistor values and, in conjunction with the microcontroller's built-in analog comparator, can also be utilized for device self-checking. A main contribution of this paper is the proposed PUF method which calculates the PUF value as the average value of many single PUF measurements, resulting in a significant increase in accuracy. The proposed PUF has been implemented successfully in a low-cost microcontroller device. Test results demonstrate that the device, specifically the microcontroller chip, can be identified with high accuracy (99.98%), and the proposed PUF method exhibits resistance against probing attempts.

Cultural Resource Damage Assessment

ABSTRACT Unauthorized cultural resource alterations range from looting and grave robbing to contract violations and wildland fires. Such alterations degrade cultural resources’ spiritual, communal, ecological, economic, and scientific values. Alterations often violate communal senses of place, security, and belonging. Alterations complicate jurisdiction-specific management, which is premised on up-to-date information on resource sizes, conditions, and significance. Cultural resource damage assessment protocols based on proven forensic practices distil to eight fieldwork steps: verify the alteration, assemble the team, survey the scene, document the evidence, gather the evidence, assess the archaeological value and the cost of repair and restoration, prescribe emergency remediation, and confirm evidence documentation and custody. The eight steps give special consideration to local communities and Indigenous Territories, where unauthorized alterations are as common as they are elsewhere, whereas impacts to spiritual and cultural values are generally greater. Adapted to jurisdiction- and incident-specific circumstances, the steps will guide responses to alterations by community leaders, land managers, regulators, law enforcement agents, and archaeologists, including preparation of excellent damage assessment reports. Damage assessment practitioners and land managers should refine these practices to deter alterations, engage Tribes and other affected communities, halt postalteration degradation, ensure accountability, and enable jurisdiction-scale curation of cultural resources and their unique value constellations.