A Multi-Layer Secure File Protection Framework with Blockchain-Backed Integrity Verification and IPFSbased Storage

Personal computing systems frequently store sensitive digital information, making them targets for unauthorized access and insider misuse. Conventional file protection mechanisms rely primarily on single-layer security approaches such as password authentication or encryption, which become insufficient once partial system access is obtained. This paper presents Secure Vault, a multi-layer secure file protection framework integrating AES-256 encryption, machine learning–based behavioral authentication, steganographic concealment, file camouflage, decentralized storage using IPFS, a local Blockchain integrity ledger, and deception-based honeytrap detection. Files are encrypted locally before concealment or decentralized storage. A local blockchain maintains immutable hash-linked records to ensure tamper detection. Experimental evaluation demonstrates improved resistance against credential compromise, file discovery, and integrity tampering while maintaining manageable computational overhead in desktop environments.