Proof.ink is a lightweight cybersecurity tool built around “tamper-evident proof” for files. It calculates the SHA256 fingerprint of a user-selected file directly in the browser, without uploading the original file, and then lets the user write that fingerprint to the Hive blockchain via the memo field of a public transfer. Later, the recipient can verify integrity using the original file and the proof.ink certificate file.
In terms of protection type, it addresses file integrity and proof of existence rather than antivirus, DLP, WAF, or intrusion detection. Its main strengths are local hash calculation and a publicly verifiable on-chain record: the original file never leaves the browser, reducing the risk of data leakage; the Hive chain acts as a public ledger, providing an immutable timestamped record. Deployment is very lightweight—users can access it directly via the web—but it requires a Hive account and depends on the Hive ecosystem to complete on-chain transactions.
The service cost follows an on-chain transfer/donation model. Users send HIVE or HBD to @proof.ink, with the amount chosen by the user and a minimum as low as 0.001 HIVE/HBD. Registering a Hive account may also involve a small fee. The main text does not disclose any compliance certifications, enterprise SLA, data processing agreement, or audit/compliance information, so it should not be treated as a formal electronic evidence preservation or e-signature platform that meets regulatory requirements.
Its advantages are simplicity, transparency, low cost, no file uploads, and the fact that SHA256 fingerprints are well suited to verifying whether a file has been modified. Hive’s 3-second block time also makes the proof-recording experience relatively fast. The limitations are equally clear: on-chain fingerprints and attached information are publicly visible, so sensitive metadata should not be written to the chain; it can only prove hash consistency, not the file’s true source, signer identity, or the legality of its contents; and there is no evident support for centralized management, alerts, access control, APIs, enterprise auditing, or similar capabilities.
It is suitable for individuals, developers, and small teams that want low-cost public proof for documents, images, software packages, archives, and similar files, or that want recipients to verify file integrity after distribution. For enterprise-grade evidence preservation, compliant e-signatures, judicial evidence storage, or bulk governance scenarios, local compliant evidence-preservation services, e-signature platforms, or trusted timestamping alternatives should be evaluated instead. Access from mainland China is not covered in the source text, and payments depend on HIVE/HBD and a Hive wallet, so users will need to test actual network connectivity and the ease of obtaining assets themselves.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on proof.ink official site.
proof.ink is an Unknown Cybersecurity provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 6.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Workable. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach proof.ink directly.