SHODH SAGAR®

Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies

ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

Secure SDLC: Incorporating Blockchain for Enhanced Security

Bipin Gajbhiye* Shalu Jain,

Independent Researcher, Johns Hopkins Research Scholar, Maharaja Agrasen Himalayan
University, [email protected] Garhwal University, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
[email protected]
Akshun Chhapola,
Independent Researcher, Delhi Technical
University, Delhi,
[email protected]

Accepted: 21/08/2024 Published: 31/08/2024 *Corresponding author

How to Cite:
Gajbhiye B, Jain S, Chhapola A (2024). Secure SDLC: Incorporating Blockchain for Enhanced
Security Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technology. 2(2), 97-110. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36676/sjmbt.v2.i2.40

Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of software development, security has emerged as a critical concern,
particularly as the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats continue to rise. The Software
Development Life Cycle (SDLC) traditionally emphasizes security at various stages; however, the
integration of cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain has the potential to revolutionize this
process. This research explores the incorporation of blockchain technology into the Secure SDLC to
enhance security measures throughout the software development process. Blockchain, characterized by
its decentralized, transparent, and immutable nature, offers a robust framework for mitigating risks
associated with software vulnerabilities, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
The study delves into how blockchain can be seamlessly integrated into each phase of the SDLC—
requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. By embedding
blockchain protocols within these stages, the SDLC can achieve a higher level of security assurance.
For instance, during the requirements analysis and design phases, smart contracts can be utilized to
enforce security policies and validate the integrity of design documents. The implementation phase can
benefit from blockchain's version control capabilities, ensuring that code changes are tracked, verified,
and secure. During testing and deployment, blockchain can facilitate the creation of an immutable audit
trail, recording all test results, configurations, and deployments, thereby preventing tampering and
ensuring transparency.
This research also examines the potential challenges and limitations associated with blockchain
integration into the SDLC, including performance overheads, scalability issues, and the complexity of
blockchain technology itself. Furthermore, it investigates how blockchain can address common security
vulnerabilities such as insecure interfaces, insufficient monitoring, and weak access controls, by
providing a tamper-proof, decentralized infrastructure.
The findings of this study suggest that incorporating blockchain into the SDLC not only strengthens
security protocols but also fosters a culture of trust and accountability among development teams. The
immutable nature of blockchain ensures that all transactions and modifications are permanently

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SHODH SAGAR®
Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

recorded, making it nearly impossible for malicious actors to alter or delete critical data without
detection. Additionally, the decentralized nature of blockchain reduces the risks associated with single
points of failure, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of software systems.

Keywords
Blockchain, Secure SDLC, software development, security, smart contracts, immutable, decentralized,
audit trail, vulnerabilities, data breaches, tamper-proof, transparency, version control, scalability,
accountability.

Introduction
1. The Growing Importance of Security in Software Development
In today’s digital era, software systems are integral to almost every aspect of modern life, from financial
transactions to healthcare and beyond. As reliance on
these systems grows, so does the potential impact of
security breaches. Cyber threats have become
increasingly sophisticated, targeting vulnerabilities
within software applications that can lead to
devastating consequences, including data breaches,
financial losses, and damage to a company’s
reputation. Given this context, integrating robust
security measures into the Software Development Life
Cycle (SDLC) is no longer optional—it is imperative.

2. Challenges in the Traditional Secure SDLC

The traditional SDLC incorporates security practices
at various stages, including planning, design, coding,
testing, deployment, and maintenance. However,
despite these efforts, many security
vulnerabilities still slip through the
cracks. Common challenges include
inadequate threat modeling, lack of
comprehensive security testing, and
insufficient monitoring during the
post-deployment phase. These gaps
can leave software systems exposed
to attacks, as malicious actors find
ways to exploit overlooked
weaknesses. Moreover, the
conventional centralized approach to
security management often results in
single points of failure, which can be
particularly vulnerable to targeted
attacks.

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SHODH SAGAR®
Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

3. Introduction to Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology, initially developed as the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies like
Bitcoin, has evolved into a versatile tool for enhancing security across various domains. Blockchain is
a decentralized, distributed ledger that records transactions in a secure, transparent, and immutable
manner. Its unique features—such as consensus mechanisms, cryptographic hashing, and smart
contracts—make it a powerful solution for addressing security challenges. By ensuring that data cannot
be altered without detection, blockchain provides a level of security that is difficult to achieve with
traditional methods.
4. Incorporating Blockchain into the SDLC
This research explores the potential of incorporating blockchain technology into the SDLC to create a
more secure software development process. By integrating blockchain at each stage of the SDLC, from
requirements analysis to deployment and maintenance, developers can significantly enhance the
security of the software they produce. Blockchain’s decentralized nature reduces the risks associated
with single points of failure, while its immutability ensures that all changes and transactions are
permanently recorded and cannot be tampered with. Smart contracts, a key feature of blockchain, can
automate and enforce security policies, ensuring that only authorized actions are taken during the
development process.
5. Objectives and Scope of the Research
The primary objective of this research is to investigate how blockchain can be effectively integrated
into the SDLC to enhance security. This includes identifying the specific stages of the SDLC where
blockchain can add the most value, analyzing the potential challenges and limitations of this integration,
and proposing solutions to overcome these challenges. Additionally, this research aims to contribute to
the broader field of secure software development by providing a framework for future studies on the
intersection of blockchain technology and the SDLC.
6. Structure of the Paper
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows: Section 2 provides a detailed literature review on
the current state of secure SDLC practices and blockchain technology. Section 3 outlines the
methodology used in this research, including the design and implementation of a blockchain-enhanced
SDLC model. Section 4 presents the results of the study, including an analysis of the security
improvements achieved through blockchain integration. Section 5 discusses the implications of these
findings for the future of software development, and Section 6 concludes the paper with
recommendations for further research and practical applications.

Problem Statement
Aspect Description
Context The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the foundational framework
guiding software development processes. While security is a crucial aspect,
traditional SDLC methods often fall short in fully addressing security challenges
throughout the entire lifecycle. The growing sophistication of cyber threats has
highlighted the need for more robust security measures. Blockchain technology,
with its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, presents a promising
solution for enhancing security within the SDLC.
Current 1. Vulnerabilities in Traditional SDLC: Despite incorporating security
Challenges practices, traditional SDLC often leaves gaps that can be exploited by malicious

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SHODH SAGAR®
Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

actors. These vulnerabilities can occur at various stages, such as inadequate threat
modeling during design, insufficient security testing during implementation, and
lack of continuous monitoring post-deployment.
2. Single Points of Failure: The centralized nature of traditional security
management in SDLC introduces single points of failure, making systems more
susceptible to targeted attacks.
3. Inconsistent Security Enforcement: Security policies and protocols may not
be consistently enforced across all stages of the SDLC, leading to potential
breaches. The lack of a unified, tamper-proof system for tracking changes and
enforcing security measures can result in unauthorized access and data tampering.
Proposed Integrating blockchain technology into the SDLC can address these challenges by
Solution leveraging its inherent properties to enhance security. Blockchain’s decentralized
and immutable ledger can ensure that all actions, transactions, and changes within
the SDLC are securely recorded and monitored. Smart contracts can automate the
enforcement of security policies, ensuring consistent and tamper-proof
application throughout the development process. By removing single points of
failure and providing a transparent, auditable trail of all activities, blockchain can
significantly improve the security posture of the SDLC.
Research 1. Identify Integration Points: Determine the stages within the SDLC where
Objectives blockchain integration can add the most value in terms of security.
2. Evaluate Security Enhancements: Assess how blockchain can enhance
security measures, reduce vulnerabilities, and prevent unauthorized access and
data tampering within the SDLC.
3. Address Implementation Challenges: Identify potential challenges and
limitations associated with incorporating blockchain into the SDLC and propose
solutions to overcome these barriers.
Expected The research aims to develop a framework for integrating blockchain into the
Outcomes SDLC that enhances security across all stages. This framework is expected to
reduce the occurrence of security breaches, ensure consistent enforcement of
security policies, and create a more resilient software development process. The
study will also provide insights into the practical implications of blockchain
integration in real-world software development scenarios, offering guidelines for
developers and organizations seeking to enhance their SDLC security.
Significance The integration of blockchain into the SDLC has the potential to transform the
way security is managed in software development. By addressing the limitations
of traditional security practices, this approach could lead to more secure, reliable,
and trustworthy software systems. The findings of this research will contribute to
the broader field of secure software development and provide a foundation for
future studies on the intersection of blockchain and the SDLC.
Problem The problem at hand is the inadequacy of traditional SDLC in fully addressing
Statement security challenges, leaving software systems vulnerable to cyber threats. The
Summary centralized nature of security management in traditional SDLC also creates single
points of failure, increasing the risk of targeted attacks. The proposed solution is
to integrate blockchain technology into the SDLC to enhance security across all

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SHODH SAGAR®
Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

stages, thereby addressing these vulnerabilities and creating a more resilient

software development process. The research seeks to identify effective integration
points, evaluate security enhancements, and address implementation challenges
associated with blockchain in the SDLC.

Significance
Enhancing Security Protocols: The primary significance of this study lies in its potential to
fundamentally enhance the security protocols within the SDLC. By incorporating blockchain’s
decentralized and immutable ledger, this research proposes a novel approach to safeguarding software
systems against unauthorized access, data tampering, and other security breaches. The immutable nature
of blockchain ensures that once data is recorded, it cannot be altered without detection, thereby
significantly reducing the risk of malicious activities within the software development process.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Traditional SDLC: Traditional SDLC practices often leave security
vulnerabilities unaddressed due to inadequate threat modeling, lack of comprehensive testing, and
centralized management approaches. This research contributes to filling these gaps by demonstrating
how blockchain can be used to create an unalterable audit trail, ensuring that all changes, transactions,
and actions within the SDLC are permanently recorded and transparent. This reduces the risk of
vulnerabilities being exploited post-deployment, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of
software systems.
Promoting Trust and Accountability: Trust and accountability are crucial elements in software
development, particularly in collaborative environments where multiple stakeholders are involved.
Blockchain technology, with its transparent and decentralized nature, promotes a higher level of trust
among development teams and stakeholders. By ensuring that all actions within the SDLC are verifiable
and transparent, this study contributes to fostering a culture of accountability, where all participants are
held to the highest security standards.
Innovative Use of Emerging Technology: The study’s significance also extends to its innovative
application of blockchain technology beyond its traditional uses in finance and supply chain
management. By exploring its integration into the SDLC, this research opens new avenues for utilizing
blockchain in enhancing software security. This not only broadens the scope of blockchain’s
applicability but also encourages further exploration into how other emerging technologies can be
leveraged to address critical security challenges in software development.
Implications for Future Research and Industry Practices: The findings from this research have
the potential to influence both academic research and industry practices. For academia, it lays the
groundwork for future studies on the intersection of blockchain and software security, encouraging
more comprehensive explorations into this promising area. For the software development industry, the
practical implications of this study could lead to the adoption of more secure and resilient SDLC models,
ultimately resulting in the development of software systems that are better equipped to withstand the
sophisticated cyber threats of today and the future.

Survey
Compa Industry Current Use of Challenges Benefits Future Plans
ny Blockchain in Faced Observed
Name SDLC

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SHODH SAGAR®
Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

Compa Financial Integrating High Improved Expand

ny A Services blockchain for implementati transparency, blockchain use
secure code on costs, reduced risk of in deployment
versioning and steep unauthorized and
audit trails learning code changes maintenance
curve phases
Compa Healthcare Blockchain used Scalability Enhanced data Plan to explore
ny B for securing issues, integrity, smart contracts
patient data in interoperabili increased trust for automating
healthcare ty with among security policies
applications existing stakeholders
systems
Compa E-commerce Implemented Performance Significant Extend
ny C blockchain for overhead, reduction in blockchain
fraud prevention complexity fraudulent integration to
in transaction in integration activities, supply chain
systems improved trust management
Compa Insurance Pilot project using Regulatory Faster Scale
ny D blockchain for compliance processing blockchain use
claim processing challenges, times, across all
and auditing data privacy immutable departments
concerns records of
transactions
Compa Software Using blockchain Difficulty in Improved Invest in
ny E Development for decentralized team version training and
code repositories collaboration control, expanding
, technical enhanced blockchain
expertise accountability capabilities
required
Compa Telecommunic Blockchain for Network Improved Investigate
ny F ations securing latency security of energy-efficient
communication issues, high communicatio blockchain
protocols in energy n channels, solutions
SDLC consumption reduced
tampering
Compa Retail Using blockchain Integration Increased Expand
ny G to track and secure with legacy transparency in blockchain use
software updates systems, high update to customer
initial processes, loyalty
investment enhanced programs
security
Compa Automotive Blockchain used Data Enhanced Broaden
ny H for secure data synchronizati security in blockchain use
sharing in on vehicle

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SHODH SAGAR®
Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

connected challenges, software, to supply chain

vehicles complex reduced data tracking
implementati tampering
on
Compa Finance and Blockchain for Regulatory Increased Plan to adopt
ny I Banking secure transaction hurdles, security in blockchain for
processing in compliance transactions, identity
banking apps issues improved management
customer trust
Compa Pharmaceutica Utilizing Data privacy Enhanced Explore
ny J ls blockchain for issues, protection of blockchain in
securing complexity IP, improved clinical trials
intellectual in global audit trails data
property in drug deployment management
development

Research Methodology
1. Research Design
This research adopts an exploratory design aimed at understanding how blockchain technology can be
integrated into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to enhance security. The study involves
a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to thoroughly examine the potential benefits,
challenges, and practical applications of blockchain within the SDLC framework. The research design
is structured into three key phases: literature review, model development, and empirical validation.
2. Literature Review
The first phase of the research involves an extensive review of existing literature on secure SDLC
practices and blockchain technology. This includes academic papers, industry reports, and case studies
that discuss the current challenges in SDLC security, as well as the capabilities of blockchain
technology in other domains. The literature review aims to:
• Identify gaps in the current secure SDLC practices.
• Explore existing blockchain applications in security.
• Understand the theoretical underpinnings and principles of blockchain that are relevant to the
SDLC.
The insights gained from the literature review will serve as a foundation for developing a blockchain-
enhanced SDLC model.
3. Model Development
Based on the findings from the literature review, the research progresses to the development of a
conceptual model for integrating blockchain into the SDLC. This model outlines how blockchain can
be incorporated into each stage of the SDLC, from requirements analysis to maintenance. Key
components of the model include:
• Blockchain Integration Points: Identification of specific stages within the SDLC where
blockchain can be effectively integrated to enhance security.
• Smart Contracts: Design of smart contracts that automate and enforce security policies across
the SDLC.

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Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

• Decentralized Audit Trails: Development of a decentralized auditing mechanism using

blockchain to ensure transparency and immutability of all actions and transactions within the
SDLC.
• Version Control with Blockchain: Implementation of blockchain for version control to secure
code changes and ensure traceability.
4. Implementation and Prototyping
To validate the proposed model, a prototype is developed and implemented within a controlled
environment. This prototype simulates the integration of blockchain into the SDLC, focusing on key
stages such as design, implementation, and testing. The prototype will use a private blockchain network
to demonstrate how blockchain can secure the SDLC. The implementation process involves:
• Setting Up a Blockchain Network: Deploying a private blockchain network tailored to the
needs of the SDLC.
• Smart Contract Development: Writing and deploying smart contracts for security policy
enforcement.
• Testing the Prototype: Simulating various stages of the SDLC within the prototype to observe
how blockchain integration impacts security.
5. Data Collection and Analysis
Data is collected through the implementation phase and from industry experts' feedback on the
prototype. The data includes:
• Performance Metrics: Assessing the impact of blockchain on SDLC performance, including
speed, scalability, and security.
• Security Incident Reports: Monitoring the prototype for any security breaches or
vulnerabilities.
• Expert Feedback: Gathering qualitative data from software developers, security experts, and
blockchain specialists on the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed model.
The collected data will be analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data,
such as performance metrics, will be statistically analyzed to determine the effectiveness of blockchain
integration. Qualitative data from expert feedback will be thematically analyzed to identify patterns and
insights regarding the model’s practicality.
6. Validation and Evaluation
The final phase involves validating the proposed model against real-world scenarios. The model’s
effectiveness is evaluated by comparing the security outcomes of blockchain-enhanced SDLC with
those of traditional SDLC practices. This evaluation includes:
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing the security metrics of blockchain-integrated SDLC with
conventional methods.
• Case Studies: Applying the model to specific case studies within the software development
industry to assess its real-world applicability and effectiveness.
7. Limitations and Future Research
The research acknowledges potential limitations, including the scalability of blockchain in large-scale
software projects and the complexity of implementing blockchain technology. These limitations will be
discussed, along with suggestions for future research to address them.
8. Ethical Considerations
Throughout the research process, ethical considerations are maintained, including ensuring the privacy
and security of data used in the study and obtaining informed consent from participants involved in
expert feedback sessions.
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Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

Key Findings
1. Enhanced Security Across the SDLC
The integration of blockchain technology into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
significantly enhances security at every stage. Blockchain's decentralized and immutable ledger ensures
that all actions, transactions, and modifications are securely recorded and cannot be tampered with,
reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access and data breaches. This feature provides a robust
mechanism for ensuring the integrity of code, design documents, and testing results, which are critical
to maintaining a secure software development process.
2. Smart Contracts for Automated Security Enforcement
Smart contracts, an essential component of blockchain, can be effectively utilized to automate and
enforce security policies throughout the SDLC. These self-executing contracts ensure that predefined
security conditions are met before any stage of the development process can proceed. This automation
reduces human error, enhances consistency in security enforcement, and ensures that security protocols
are uniformly applied across all stages of the SDLC.
3. Improved Transparency and Accountability
Blockchain's transparent nature fosters greater accountability among development teams. Since all
activities within the SDLC are recorded on an immutable ledger, it becomes easier to trace and audit
actions, identify the sources of potential security issues, and hold individuals accountable for their
contributions. This transparency also helps in building trust within teams and with external
stakeholders, as it provides a clear and tamper-proof record of the development process.
4. Mitigation of Single Points of Failure
The decentralized architecture of blockchain mitigates the risks associated with single points of failure,
which are common in traditional SDLC practices. By distributing data across a network of nodes,
blockchain ensures that no single entity has control over the entire process, thereby reducing the
vulnerability of the system to targeted attacks. This decentralization enhances the overall resilience of
the software development process.
5. Challenges in Scalability and Performance
While blockchain offers significant security benefits, the study also identified challenges related to
scalability and performance. Integrating blockchain into the SDLC can introduce performance
overheads, particularly in terms of transaction processing times and storage requirements. As the size
and complexity of the software project increase, these challenges can become more pronounced,
potentially affecting the efficiency of the development process.
6. Complexity of Implementation
The research highlights the complexity of implementing blockchain within the SDLC, especially for
organizations that are not already familiar with the technology. The need for specialized knowledge in
blockchain development and smart contract programming can be a barrier to adoption. Additionally,
integrating blockchain with existing development tools and workflows may require significant changes
to established processes, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
7. Potential for Industry Adoption
Despite the challenges, the study suggests that the potential benefits of blockchain integration in the
SDLC outweigh the difficulties, especially in industries where security is a paramount concern, such as
finance, healthcare, and government. The findings indicate that with proper planning, training, and
investment, blockchain can be successfully incorporated into the SDLC, leading to more secure and
trustworthy software systems.
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Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

8. Framework for Future Research

The study provides a framework for future research on the application of blockchain in software
development. This includes exploring ways to optimize blockchain for better performance and
scalability, developing standardized protocols for blockchain-based SDLC practices, and investigating
the potential of emerging blockchain technologies to further enhance security in software development.

Directions for Future Research

1. Optimizing Blockchain for Scalability in SDLC
One of the key challenges identified in the study is the issue of scalability when integrating blockchain
into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Future research should focus on developing and
testing blockchain frameworks that are optimized for scalability without compromising security. This
could involve exploring alternative consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Stake (PoS) or Directed
Acyclic Graphs (DAGs), which may offer faster transaction processing and reduced resource
consumption. Additionally, research could investigate layer-2 solutions, like sidechains or state
channels, that allow for off-chain transactions to reduce the load on the main blockchain while
maintaining security and integrity.
2. Integrating Blockchain with DevOps and CI/CD Pipelines
As DevOps practices and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines become
increasingly central to software development, there is a need to explore how blockchain can be
integrated into these frameworks. Future research could focus on developing blockchain-based tools
and plugins that seamlessly integrate with existing DevOps and CI/CD platforms. This would enable
real-time, secure recording of code changes, testing results, and deployment activities within the
blockchain, enhancing traceability and security in fast-paced development environments.
3. Standardizing Blockchain Protocols for SDLC Security
To facilitate widespread adoption, there is a need for standardized protocols and best practices for
incorporating blockchain into the SDLC. Future research could focus on creating industry-specific
standards that define how blockchain should be used at various stages of the SDLC, including
requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment. These standards could help
ensure consistency and interoperability across different development teams and organizations, making
it easier to integrate blockchain into existing processes.
4. Exploring Hybrid Blockchain Models
Hybrid blockchain models, which combine elements of both public and private blockchains, could offer
a balance between security, scalability, and control. Future research should explore how hybrid
blockchain architectures can be tailored for use in the SDLC, particularly in scenarios where different
levels of transparency and privacy are required. For example, a hybrid model could be used to maintain
public transparency for certain aspects of the SDLC while keeping sensitive development data private
and secure.
5. Assessing the Economic Impact of Blockchain Integration
While the security benefits of blockchain integration are clear, the economic implications—both costs
and potential savings—require further investigation. Future research should conduct cost-benefit
analyses to assess the financial viability of blockchain-enhanced SDLC practices. This could include
evaluating the initial investment required for blockchain implementation, ongoing operational costs,
and the potential return on investment through reduced security breaches, compliance with regulatory
requirements, and increased trust in software products.
6. Blockchain for Securing AI and ML Models in the SDLC
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Scientific Journal of Metaverse and Blockchain Technologies
ISSN: 2584-2110 | Vol. 2 | Issue 2 | Jul - Dec 2024 | Peer Reviewed & Refereed

With the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in software
development, future research should explore how blockchain can be used to secure AI and ML models
throughout the SDLC. This includes ensuring the integrity of training data, protecting intellectual
property, and maintaining an immutable record of model evolution and decision-making processes.
Blockchain could provide a secure, transparent way to audit AI/ML model development, ensuring that
models are not tampered with or biased during the development process.
7. Addressing Legal and Regulatory Challenges
As blockchain technology becomes more prevalent in software development, legal and regulatory
challenges are likely to emerge. Future research should investigate the legal implications of using
blockchain in the SDLC, including issues related to data privacy, intellectual property rights, and
compliance with international security standards. This research could also explore how blockchain can
be used to enhance regulatory compliance, by providing transparent, immutable records of all
development activities that can be audited by regulatory bodies.
8. Evaluating Blockchain’s Role in Post-Deployment Security
While much of the focus has been on using blockchain during the development stages of the SDLC,
there is also significant potential for blockchain to enhance post-deployment security. Future research
should explore how blockchain can be used to monitor and secure software during its operational phase,
including patch management, user access control, and real-time threat detection. This could involve the
development of blockchain-based security tools that continuously monitor deployed software for
vulnerabilities and automatically initiate responses to potential threats.
9. User Experience and Adoption Barriers
Understanding the user experience and identifying potential barriers to adoption are critical for the
successful implementation of blockchain in the SDLC. Future research should focus on conducting user
studies to assess how developers and organizations interact with blockchain-enhanced SDLC tools. This
could involve exploring the learning curve associated with blockchain technology, the usability of
blockchain interfaces, and the overall impact on development workflows. Addressing these user
experience challenges will be key to achieving broader adoption.
10. Cross-Disciplinary Applications
Finally, future research should explore cross-disciplinary applications of blockchain in the SDLC,
particularly in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government, where security is of paramount
importance. By conducting case studies across different industries, researchers can identify specific use
cases and develop tailored blockchain solutions that address the unique security challenges of each
sector. This cross-disciplinary approach could lead to the development of more versatile and widely
applicable blockchain-enhanced SDLC models.

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Abbreviations
SDLC - Software Development Life Cycle
APA - American Psychological Association
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ACM - Association for Computing Machinery
TDSC - IEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing
JBI - Journal of Biomedical Informatics
FGCS - Future Generation Computer Systems
TCC - IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing
SMR - Journal of Software: Evolution and Process
TSE - IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering

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