Proof of Storage and Access Control

Proof of storage is a critical security mechanism ensuring that storage nodes legitimately hold the encrypted data they claim to store. Encryptum requires nodes to periodically generate cryptographic proofs—such as Proof of Replication or Proof of Space-Time—that demonstrate possession of data tied to specific CIDs without revealing the data itself. These proofs are submitted to the network and verified by validators or smart contracts, confirming nodes’ compliance with storage agreements.

This system prevents scenarios where nodes might claim to store data without actually doing so, protecting against data loss or unavailability. Nodes failing to produce valid proofs may be penalized, ensuring accountability and incentivizing consistent performance.

Simultaneously, access control in Encryptum is governed by smart contracts deployed on Ethereum. These contracts encode detailed policies that specify who can access, modify, or share stored data. Before data retrieval, the requesting entity’s credentials are checked against these on-chain permissions to verify authorization. This process is automated, transparent, and tamper-resistant thanks to blockchain’s immutable ledger.

By separating physical data storage from access governance, Encryptum provides a secure environment where only authorized users or AI agents can decrypt and utilize stored data. The combined approach of cryptographic proofs and blockchain-enforced permissions ensures data is both reliably stored and securely accessed without dependence on centralized intermediaries.