Implementation of Base64-Based Data Encoding in a Web Based Sharia Cooperative Information System to Support Customer Data Security

Abstract

The digital transformation of financial services has encouraged sharia cooperatives to adopt web-based information systems to improve efficiency, data management, and service quality. However, the increasing use of digital systems also raises concerns regarding the protection of sensitive customer information. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Base64 algorithm in a web-based sharia cooperative information system and to evaluate its role in improving customer data security. The research focused on applying Base64 encoding to data processed through the Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) functions of the system. System testing was conducted by comparing the original input data displayed on the user interface with the encoded data stored in the database. The results show that customer-related data, including member, user, savings, and financial transaction records, were successfully transformed into encoded strings before storage. This process reduced the direct readability of sensitive information in the database and provided an additional layer of protection at the application level. Furthermore, the implementation was integrated consistently across multiple system modules without disrupting the main functions of the application. These findings indicate that Base64 can support basic data protection in a sharia cooperative system by improving the handling of stored information. Nevertheless, Base64 should be regarded as a supporting data-encoding mechanism rather than a complete cryptographic solution. Future studies are therefore recommended to combine Base64 with stronger encryption methods to achieve a higher level of security for confidential financial data.