Enhancing Academic Credential Verification through Block-chain Technology: A Decentralized Approach to Combat Certificate Fraud

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@article{1708273,
      author = {Onwubiko, Davidson Chisom, Odikwa, Ndubuisi Henry, Ukabuiro, Ikenna Kelechi, Agomah, Stella Adaugo},
      title = {Enhancing Academic Credential Verification through Block-chain Technology: A Decentralized Approach to Combat Certificate Fraud},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {336-347},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708273.pdf},
      abstract = {Fraudulent academic credentials erode the legitimacy of educational outcomes and credentials, leading to practical challenges for institutions, employers, and policymakers. Traditional methods of verifying records are often centralized and required manual effort, making them easily tampered with as well as inefficient, and can result in delayed processing. This study proposes a decentralized method for educational credentials verification by employing the Ethereum block-chain, and preventing fraud with cryptographic technology on the block-chain. A method using a two block-chain combined with zero-knowledge proofs and smart contracts are combined to ensure an educational record is tamper-proof, private, and verifiable. The study also examines case studies including the University of Nicosia, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to demonstrate overall improvements in verification through the use of Ethereum. These preliminary assessments showed improvements to the verification process from time management and cost management perspectives to security against tampering and unauthorized access. Overall, even though concerns surrounding standardization and data privacy exist, the use of Ethereum block-chain technology offers a significant advance in academic credential verification and the strictness in tackling certificate fraud.},
      keywords = {Fraud, block-chain, credentials, decentralized},
      month = {May},
  }