what is blockchain security its Types and challenges? are you looking answer to this question so you are at the right place in today’s blog we will give you complete information about the same.
Today, everyone is concerned about cybersecurity, which is understandable given the growth in cyberattacks. However, it seems that every time a new IT advancement is made, people immediately inquire about its security.
A relatively young technology, blockchain was initially developed to support bitcoin. But as interest in the technology has grown, more individuals are realizing that blockchain has applications outside of cryptocurrencies. Naturally, this surge in popularity raises concerns about the reliability and security of the blockchain.
We’re looking at blockchain security today to see what it is and how it operates because of this. Additionally, we’ll discuss some recent instances of blockchain security in operation. After all, knowing that the security is adequate if major corporations like IBM, Walmart, and FedEx adopt blockchain technology would be comforting. so without delay let’s know what is blockchain security its Types and challenges.
1. What is Blockchain Security?
We start our blog on what is blockchain security its Types and challenges by reviewing blockchain’s history and definition. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) created to foster an atmosphere of trust and confidence. Blockchain is a network of computer systems that duplicates and disseminates a decentralized ledger system. All designated nodes or members who can record, share, and view encrypted transactional data on their blockchain are given access to the information.
Blockchain technology collects and stores data in collections, often known as “blocks,” and each block has a limited amount of storage space. The term “blockchain,” which is witty, refers to the chain of data that is created when a block hits capacity and is attached to the preceding complete block.
Blockchain security is a complete risk management solution for blockchain networks that incorporates assurance services, cybersecurity standards, and best practices to lower the risks of fraud and cyberattacks. The data structures utilized by blockchain technology have inherent security qualities since they are based on consensus, cryptography, and decentralization principles.
It is nearly impossible to alter the relationships between the many pieces of information, new or old. Each transaction in a block is additionally validated and approved by a consensus process (approved users), ensuring the veracity and accuracy of every transaction. Failure has no use because a user cannot change the transaction records.
2. Different Types of Blockchain
We need to mention a few different sorts of blockchains, each with its own set of difficulties before we can discuss how blockchain provides security.
A). Private Blockchains
Blockchain private networks need an invitation. Users must be verified either by the initiator or central administrator of the network or by a set of rules drawn up by the administrator of the network. Private blockchain users frequently build up a permission network. Networks with permissions place restrictions on who can join and the kinds of transactions they can perform. Participants must have either permission or an invitation in order to join.
Private blockchains are frequently used in internal, business-secure contexts to perform activities like access, authentication, and record keeping. They typically use a “Proof-of-Authority” (PoA) consensus mechanism. Typically, the transaction data is kept confidential.
B). Public Blockchains
Public blockchains are exactly what their name implies—public. Anyone with an internet connection can join them, making them permissionless and anonymous to all users. Every user receives a public key, which you may think of as an ID badge that links their name to their activities. Keep in mind that all user activity on the blockchain is visible.
Additionally, a community is needed to run a blockchain since users must confirm or validate any data submitted to a block. For public blockchains, this is done via resolving cryptographic conundrums.
For instance, you may be familiar with the phrase “mining” in relation to Bitcoin, one of the most well-known applications of blockchain technology. Users of Bitcoin effectively have to “mine” or put in labor to make sure their transaction is valid before it can be recorded in a block. A lot of data, power, and time may be needed for this.
C). Consortium Blockchains
Usually, only public and private blockchains are mentioned while talking about blockchains. A third choice, though, is consortium blockchains. Consortium blockchains are made up of known players who have had their participation in the consensus within a blockchain network preapproved by a centralized authority. With this “semi-permissioned” method, a network can be distributed or partially decentralized while yet retaining some level of control. Interestingly, consortium blockchains allow for the privacy of transaction data.
Using “Proof-of-Work” (PoW), “Proof of Authority” (PoA), or “Proof-of-Stake,” consortium blockchains can obtain consensus (PoS). Delegated proof-of-stake is one of the other approaches that are readily available. For use between known parties, in banking, supply chain management, or Internet of Things (IoT) applications, consortium blockchains are most suited.
3. Blockchain risks and challenges
Sometimes, blockchain technology is marketed as being tamper-proof. Actually, it is vulnerable to cyber threats. Take into account the potential blockchain security threats and vulnerabilities listed below, as well as a few instances where blockchains have actually been breached.
A). Phishing attacks
Phishing is one of the oldest hacking techniques known to man when a con artist tries to trick you into giving over important information or data by posing as a reliable source. They conduct business via channels including text messaging, emails, and even phone calls.
Users of blockchains may be persuaded by these phishing communications to divulge their specific ID linked to a blockchain account or to click a link that grants access to a blockchain network.
B). Code exploitation
Code exploitation is the process by which a blockchain user, or a cybercriminal posing as a blockchain user, finds a vulnerability in a blockchain’s software and maliciously exploits it.
This occurred, as an illustration, in 2016. Through the use of code exploitation, a hacker stole more than $50 million from a venture capital fund known as a decentralized autonomous organization.
C). Routing attacks
Denial of service attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks are the two most frequent types of routing attacks. Cybercriminals surreptitiously collect data being carried via a network in both cases, which is typically a shoddy Wi-Fi network.
When a permission blockchain user is online, fraudsters effectively wait on a vulnerable network in the case of blockchain technology. The authorized user is unaware that the data they are confirming or uploading to a blockchain is being watched and might be compromised.
D). Stolen keys
Recall how, in order to join a blockchain network, each user is given a special identification number that functions much like an ID badge. They are also referred to as private keys, and yes, thieves may steal them. A cybercriminal may try to change data on a blockchain that is protected by a permission user’s key if it falls into the wrong hands.
This happened in 2021 when users of cryptocurrencies lost $140 million worth of Bitcoin. Keys that were stolen were identified as the cause of the theft by the authorities in charge of the inquiry.
E). Computer hacking
Even if a bad person is sitting right next to you at your computer and gains access to a blockchain network you have been given permission to, blockchain technology is still susceptible to standard computer hacks, despite how advanced they may look.
An 18-year-old hacker prodigy was the principal offender in the theft of $16 million from the cryptocurrency platform Indexed Finance in England in October 2021.
F). 51% Attacks
Since Bitcoin is based on mining or solving cryptographic puzzles to confirm transactions added to a block, this blockchain security vulnerability largely affects Bitcoin. If a Bitcoin user is able to control more than 50% of a blockchain’s processing power, they can effectively take over the entire Bitcoin network.
This would necessitate a group of Bitcoin users mining simultaneously and with the aim of preventing new transactions from being added to the blockchain. It’s a highly improbable scenario.
Top 5 Blockchain Security Examples
1. Mobilecoin
Topfor companies who lack the resources to independently deploy ledger security measures, one cryptocurrency company from California is creating a safe, straightforward cryptocurrency. By replacing third-party transaction providers, Mobilecoin’s cryptocurrency keeps all transaction data encrypted on both sides. The product is compatible with Signal, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.
2. Coinbase
Here is yet another bitcoin business situated in California. Digital currency can be purchased and sold on Coinbase. Coinbase operates purely through encryption and keeps passwords and wallets in a safe database. A thorough background check on each employee is required to guarantee the security of cryptocurrency.
3. J.P. Morgan
The largest and one of the most well-known financial organizations in the country is J.P. Morgan. It has created Quorum, an enterprise-focused variant of Ethereum that processes confidential transactions using blockchain technology. J.P. Morgan creates transparent yet cryptographically secure transactions using smart contracts on their Quorum network.
4. Lockheed – Martin
As the first business of its sort, this US-based defense contractor has adopted blockchain security. In order to implement blockchain cybersecurity protocols in engineering systems, software development, and supply chain risk management, Lockheed Martin is collaborating with the cybersecurity firm Guardtime Federal. Blockchain will be used by Lockheed Martin to secure each stage of its weapon development process.
5. Cisco
This Silicon Valley-based software firm thinks that blockchain is perfect for the Internet of Things (IoT) since the built-in ledger technology eliminates single points of failure and encrypts sensitive personal data.
Given the steady growth of the Internet of Things, this concept is important. Blockchain’s visibility and utilization will increase if it emerges as the preferred IoT network. Of course, having a major IoT player on your side never hurts!.
Conclusion
Given that there are security difficulties with blockchains, both individuals and companies should build up their infrastructure from the inside out to secure blockchain activity. And all of it has to do with comprehending the cyber hazards connected to blockchain technology and knowing how to deal with them. Our data held on blockchain networks can also be well-protected by following cybersecurity best practices.
- Avoid routing attacks by encrypting your internet activity with a VPN.
- Keep your keys to yourself so you don’t get hacked.
- Protect your devices from malicious actors by not leaving them unattended.
- Be on the lookout for suspicious or unwarranted messages to identify phishing attempts.
- Keep your user permissions intact by not altering data in blockchains
Our methods for storing data are always changing. Not only is it wise to keep yours secure, but it’s also necessary. Accept the ways that technology may simplify and protect the crucial aspects of our lives, but also take proactive steps to make sure that it stays that way. we hope you liked our article which is on what is blockchain security its Types and challenges, follow ReconBee to read more blogs like this.