The Challenge of Software Integrity
In a world where software controls critical infrastructures, financial systems, and sensitive data, ensuring that the code has not been tampered with is essential. Supply chain attacks, where malicious code is injected into legitimate updates, have affected millions of users. How can an organization verify that the software it runs is exactly what was published by the original developer?
What is Software Integrity Testing?
Software integrity testing is a mechanism that allows:
- Verify authenticity: Confirm that the software comes from the legitimate developer
- Detect modifications: Identify any alteration of the original code
- Audit history: Know all published versions and their hashes
- Prevent tampering: Prevent the execution of maliciously modified software
Blockchain as an Anti-Tampering Solution
Blockchain technology offers unique features for integrity verification:
- Immutability: Once the software hash is recorded, it cannot be altered
- Decentralization: There is no single point of failure or compromise
- Transparency: Anyone can publicly verify integrity
- Timestamping: Cryptographic proof of when each version was published
Why Kaspa?
Proovik uses the Kaspa blockchain as its technological foundation due to its unique advantages:
- High speed: Confirmations in seconds thanks to the GHOSTDAG protocol
- Low cost: Economical transactions for frequently recording hashes
- Scalability: Ability to handle thousands of records without congestion
- Proven security: Robust and decentralized consensus algorithm
- No pre-mining: Truly decentralized blockchain from its genesis
How Proovik's System Works
Proovik offers a comprehensive software integrity verification system:
1. Software Registration
The developer registers with Proovik:
- SHA-256 hash of the executable or package
- Software version
- Optional metadata (changelog, dependencies)
- Digital signature of the developer
2. Anchoring in Kaspa
Proovik anchors this information in the Kaspa blockchain:
- Transaction with the software hash
- Immutable cryptographic timestamp
- Publicly verifiable reference
3. User Verification
The end user can verify:
- Calculate the hash of the downloaded software
- Consult Proovik for the registered hash
- Automatically compare both hashes
- Verify the trust chain in Kaspa
Use Cases
Integrity verification with Proovik applies to:
- Enterprise applications: ERPs, CRMs, financial software
- IoT Firmware: Updates for connected devices
- Critical software: Industrial, medical, aerospace control systems
- Mobile applications: Verify APKs and IPAs before installation
- Open source libraries: Protect against supply chain attacks
- Smart contracts: Verify code before deployment
Benefits for Developers
Development teams gain:
- Immutable proof of authorship and publication date
- Reputation protection against counterfeit software
- Compliance with security regulations (SOC2, ISO 27001)
- Detection of unauthorized distributions
Benefits for Users and Companies
Software consumers gain:
- Assurance of running authentic, untampered software
- Protection against malware injected in updates
- Verifiable audit for compliance
- Reduction of the risk of supply chain attacks
Technical Integration
Proovik offers multiple integration methods:
- REST API: Programmatic registration and verification
- CLI Tool: Integration in CI/CD pipelines
- GitHub Action: Automatic verification on each release
- SDK: Libraries for Python, JavaScript, Go, Rust
Important: Scope of Certification
It is important to clarify that Proovik's blockchain certification provides technical proof of integrity and registration date. This complements, but does not replace, official software security certifications, code audits, or code signing certificates issued by recognized certification authorities.
Conclusion
In a digital ecosystem where trust in software is fundamental, Proovik on Kaspa offers a robust, fast, and economical solution for verifying software integrity. From enterprise applications to IoT firmware, the immutable proof that the code has not been tampered with protects both developers and end users.
