DIGITAL SIGNATURE MODEL FOR SECURING FINANCIAL DATA ON THE CLOUD

Abstract

Cloud computing technology is a paradigm acting as the next generation of computing technologies that provides customers with on-demand access to shared computing resources through service layers and models. It provides flexible and cost effective way for data access by end users in multiplatform at any time. However, the major concern in cloud computing is data privacy, confidentiality and integrity. Clients require their data to be safe and private from any tampering or unauthorized access. These security challenges of data protection when using cloud computing must be overcome. This research work proposes a model for securing financial data on the cloud using digital signature technique. MD5 algorithm is used to generate a hash function for data privacy while RSA algorithm is used to encrypt and decrypt users’ financial information by generating two different security keys (public and private keys) for data confidentiality. The digital signature algorithm is used for generation and verification of signature from the users and receivers of the financial information thereby ensuring data integrity. The implementation of algorithms was carried out using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) for interface design, Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) and JAVASCRIPT for server and client scripting and APACHE server as frontends while MySQL served as backend. Data on the system’s reliability, speed, security, effectiveness, usability, adaptability and user-experience were obtained using online survey of users. Evaluation of results from data analysis showed that the system performs effectively in securing financial data on the cloud. Comparative analysis also revealed the system does well based on computation time and desired features and functionalities.