A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System

Academic credential fraud presents a significant challenge to the global academic and labor markets, undermining the credibility of legitimate qualifications. In this paper, we introduce ZKBAR-V, a Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System. This system is desi...

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Main Authors: Juan Alamrio Berrios Moya, John Ayoade, Md Ashraf Uddin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Sensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3450
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author Juan Alamrio Berrios Moya
John Ayoade
Md Ashraf Uddin
author_facet Juan Alamrio Berrios Moya
John Ayoade
Md Ashraf Uddin
author_sort Juan Alamrio Berrios Moya
collection DOAJ
description Academic credential fraud presents a significant challenge to the global academic and labor markets, undermining the credibility of legitimate qualifications. In this paper, we introduce ZKBAR-V, a Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System. This system is designed to provide a privacy-preserving, immutable, and secure framework for managing academic credentials. The proposed system leverages zkEVM smart contracts on a blockchain-based infrastructure that enables credential verification without exposing underlying data. The approach integrates Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) to standardize identity management while eliminating reliance on centralized authorities. We have used dual-blockchain, which separates public and private information, which can enhance both efficiency and privacy. In addition, this approach employs the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) for decentralized and secure document storage. ZKBAR-V is designed as an open-source, interoperable solution with a standardized Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless integration. We implemented the system and conducted comprehensive testing, which demonstrates its capability to manage transactions securely, maintain privacy, and reduce costs compared to traditional Ethereum mainnet-based solutions. By combining advanced blockchain technologies, decentralized storage, and globally unique identifiers, ZKBAR-V offers a scalable, adaptable, and robust solution for academic credential management. This strategy can significantly enhance credential integrity, promote global student mobility, and provide institutions worldwide with a trustworthy and efficient verification system.
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spelling doaj-art-b4760b93344444ad9958a06a0c3f94ac2025-08-20T03:11:32ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-05-012511345010.3390/s25113450A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification SystemJuan Alamrio Berrios Moya0John Ayoade1Md Ashraf Uddin2School of Engineering, Auckland University of Technology, 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New ZealandSchool of Information Technology, Crown Institute of Higher Education, 116 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, NSW 2060, AustraliaSchool of Information Technology, Crown Institute of Higher Education, 116 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, NSW 2060, AustraliaAcademic credential fraud presents a significant challenge to the global academic and labor markets, undermining the credibility of legitimate qualifications. In this paper, we introduce ZKBAR-V, a Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System. This system is designed to provide a privacy-preserving, immutable, and secure framework for managing academic credentials. The proposed system leverages zkEVM smart contracts on a blockchain-based infrastructure that enables credential verification without exposing underlying data. The approach integrates Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) to standardize identity management while eliminating reliance on centralized authorities. We have used dual-blockchain, which separates public and private information, which can enhance both efficiency and privacy. In addition, this approach employs the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) for decentralized and secure document storage. ZKBAR-V is designed as an open-source, interoperable solution with a standardized Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless integration. We implemented the system and conducted comprehensive testing, which demonstrates its capability to manage transactions securely, maintain privacy, and reduce costs compared to traditional Ethereum mainnet-based solutions. By combining advanced blockchain technologies, decentralized storage, and globally unique identifiers, ZKBAR-V offers a scalable, adaptable, and robust solution for academic credential management. This strategy can significantly enhance credential integrity, promote global student mobility, and provide institutions worldwide with a trustworthy and efficient verification system.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3450academic credential fraudblockchaininterplanetary file systemssecurity and privacy
spellingShingle Juan Alamrio Berrios Moya
John Ayoade
Md Ashraf Uddin
A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System
Sensors
academic credential fraud
blockchain
interplanetary file systems
security and privacy
title A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System
title_full A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System
title_fullStr A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System
title_full_unstemmed A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System
title_short A Zero-Knowledge Proof-Enabled Blockchain-Based Academic Record Verification System
title_sort zero knowledge proof enabled blockchain based academic record verification system
topic academic credential fraud
blockchain
interplanetary file systems
security and privacy
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3450
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