Blockchain-Enabled Identity Management Systems for Privacy and Cybersecurity in Enterprise IT

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of blockchain-enabled identity management systems in enhancing privacy and cybersecurity within enterprise IT environments through a quantitative research approach. A quasi-experimental and cross-sectional design was adopted to compare blockchain-based identity systems with traditional identity and access management frameworks. The final sample consisted of 312 participants, including IT professionals, system administrators, and end users, equally distributed across traditional and blockchain identity systems. Data were collected using structured survey instruments and system-generated performance logs, and analyzed using statistical techniques including independent sample tests, regression analysis, and correlation analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings revealed statistically significant improvements in key performance indicators for blockchain-enabled systems. Authentication reliability increased from a mean score of 3.71 in traditional systems to 4.32 in blockchain systems, while unauthorized access incidents decreased from 2.94 to 1.85. Data exposure levels were significantly reduced from 3.88 to 2.41, indicating enhanced privacy preservation. System integrity also improved from 3.65 to 4.21, demonstrating stronger data consistency and protection against tampering. Regression analysis showed that system type had a strong positive effect on user trust (β = 0.48) and perceived security (β = 0.52), confirming that blockchain adoption significantly influenced user perception and confidence. Subgroup analysis indicated that system administrators and IT professionals reported higher trust levels (mean = 4.41 and 4.28, respectively) compared to end users (mean = 3.76), highlighting the role of technical familiarity in adoption. Organizations with higher digital maturity demonstrated better integration efficiency (mean = 4.35) and scalability (mean = 4.29) compared to less mature environments. Effect size analysis revealed large to very large effects in areas such as data exposure reduction (d = 1.35) and unauthorized access reduction (d = 1.12), confirming the practical significance of the findings. Overall, the study demonstrated that blockchain-enabled identity management systems provide measurable improvements in privacy, cybersecurity, and user trust, offering a robust alternative to traditional identity management approaches in enterprise IT environments.