SecureCert: A Blockchain-Based Decentralized Framework for Tamper-Proof Academic Certificate Verification and Management

Abstract: The rise in fake diplomas causes big problems for schools, companies, and groups that check credentials. Because old-school checks rely on central record systems and hand reviews, they tend to be sluggish, costly, while opening doors to tampering. Instead of sticking with those outdated methods, this study introduces SecureCert - a system that issues and confirms certificates across a decentralized network using Ethereum’s blockchain, file hosting via IPFS, data protection through SHA-256 encryption, identity checks with scannable QR tags, along with an automated tool made in Python. The system lets schools make PDF certificates, then calculate digital fingerprints - after that, they’re sent to IPFS while info gets locked into Ethereum via smart contracts. To check validity, users scan a QR code or type in an ID, which pulls data from the chain and confirms the IPFS hash along the way.

Keywords: Blockchain, Ethereum, SecureCert, Academic Certificate Verification, Decentralized Systems, IPFS, Smart Contracts, SHA-256 Encryption, QR Code Verification, Tamper Proof Records, Digital Credentials