Blockchain Technology in Mobile Payments: A Systematic Review of Security Enhancements in Mobile Commerce

Abstract

This systematic review aims to examine how blockchain technology enhances security and trust in mobile commerce transactions, focusing on its application in mobile payments. The study employs a comprehensive methodology, utilizing the Scopus database to gather relevant literature published between 2018 and 2024. Using carefully selected keywords related to blockchain, mobile payments, and security, the initial search yielded 229 records, which were subsequently filtered using the PRISMA framework. After thorough screening, 86 studies were selected for in-depth analysis. The study utilizes VOS viewer software for bibliometric analysis, revealing a significant annual growth rate of 49.13% in publications, indicating rapidly increasing interest in this field. The results highlight four main thematic clusters: wallets, financial, blockchain, and mobile, with the blockchain cluster showing the highest centrality and frequency. Key findings demonstrate that blockchain technology addresses critical issues in mobile payments, such as high storage costs and processing latency, while significantly improving transaction throughput and security. Blockchain-based self-sovereign identity (SSI) systems are revolutionizing identity management and know your customer (KYC) processes, enhancing both efficiency and privacy. The development of secure lightweight wallets and the implementation of advanced cryptographic techniques have markedly improved the security and speed of mobile transactions. Furthermore, blockchain technology shows promise in combating financial crimes and enabling offline transactions in areas with poor connectivity. The study concludes that blockchain technology is transforming mobile commerce security, but also identifies areas for future research, including scalability solutions, regulatory frameworks, and user-friendly interfaces to encourage wider adoption.