Blockchain-Based Authentication System For Protecting Computer Networks From Cyberattacks

Background. Traditional authentication systems in computer networks typically depend on a centralized server or identity management service, which creates a single point of failure and increases the risks of database breaches, credential theft, unauthorized access and other cyberattacks. Methods. This study applies a design-oriented conceptual modelling approach combined with a qualitative threat analysis to develop a blockchain-based decentralized authentication architecture. The model incorporates public and private key pairs, digital signatures, challenge–response (nonce) verification, smart contracts and W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DID). Results. The proposed architecture comprises eight functional components and an eight-step registration and authentication workflow, a role-based access-control scheme implemented through a smart contract, and protection mechanisms against password theft, replay, man-in-the-middle, central-server compromise and administrator-privilege abuse. Conclusion. Integrating blockchain with cryptographic authentication can provide an additional security layer and reduce dependence on centralized infrastructures; however, private key management, scalability, transaction latency, smart contract security and privacy must be addressed before practical deployment.