Blockchain on Data Security : An interpretive approach on Cyber Security Professionals’ perceptions

This Master’s Thesis main purpose is to identify the perceptions of Cyber Security Professionals on Blockchain Technology and whether it could potentially become a substitutefor the current data security systems or not. A literature review was initially performed in order to explore previous related research on the field of Cyber Security, its infrastructure andthe main aspects of Blockchain Technology.Qualitative research was conducted in regards to the participants’ perceptions. Morespecifically, individual interviews were held with each one of the participants all of whom are professionals in the field of Cyber Security. Five different themes emerged from theinterviews which were performed by asking open-ended questions and holding a dialogue with the participants. Those themes start with (1) their opinions on current data security infrastructure and methods. Following that theme a half hour presentation on basic blockchain operations and applications were held in order to identify their (2) current understanding onblockchain. (3) Discussions were held in regards to blockchain’s scalability and sustainability,followed by (4) the security of Blockchains. In the end the (5) fifth and final theme covered the main purpose of this master’s thesis which is whether blockchain can be implemented asan alternate technology on data privacy and security.This Master’s Thesis contributes to the current knowledge on Blockchain within the field ofinformatics by providing the perceptions of Cyber Security Professionals in regards to its operation and implementation. Furthermore it aims to identify whether any possible applications of blockchain technology could be suggested for future implementation in thedomain of data security.The discussion summarizes the empirical findings acquired from the interviews and theperceptions of the participants on Blockchain Technology. By exploring the themes thatemerged from the interviews, it is clearly evident that blockchain is still not a technology thatcan be trusted as an alternative ...