What Exactly Is It About Blockchain That Makes It So Safe?

The structure of blockchain technology makes it exceptionally safe. You can expect a lot of sophisticated encryption in blockchain networks because it is the technical basis for cryptocurrencies. 

The blockchain technology that underpins modern cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and decentralized apps has several essential security protections already included in its design. Once data blocks have been included in the blockchain database, they can no longer be altered in any way. 

Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

A hacker cannot alter them to steal money. The block transactions are checked to ensure they are legitimate using consensus methods, which also safeguard the network from being hacked. 

The database is secured with public key encryption of a financial grade so that only authorized users can access it. The combination of these properties places the blockchain architecture in an elite group of the most secure databases ever developed.

However, there is more to the story than meets the eye regarding blockchain data security.

 

Is it Risky to Use Blockchain Technology?

 

Blockchains keep track of a comprehensive record of transactions and related data, enclosing it all in many levels of data encryption for further safety. As a consequence of this, these systems have earned a reputation for being reliable and risk-free.

A blockchain is a digital ledger of deals, trades, and transactions managed and kept up to date by a network of computers scattered geographically. Reading the ledger and adding new data to the chain of transactions is simple, but each new transaction must pass a series of security checks before it can be added to the blockchain. 

Despite this, reading and adding data to the chain is simple. Nobody can make any changes to the data or delete it. Any effort to tamper with the ledger is easily traceable to the potential hacker, who often loses access to the network after being caught.

 

Why Is the Blockchain Such a Safe Technology?

 

A new data block is “mined” when new transactions are added to a blockchain. This process is also termed “minting.” All block-mining systems share a few characteristics in common, including the following:

• Each newly created block includes a link to the block that came before it. This creates a chain of data blocks traced back to the first block of each blockchain.
• Every single block has its specific address. The link, together with a new batch of data for validating transactions, is safeguarded by data encryption. This ensures that the correct link to the prior block is immutable and cannot be altered.
• Every new block must be validated. It is validated by a predetermined number of validation nodes agreeing with the minting of a new token designed to correspond to the most recent data block.

Beyond these fundamental notions, the minting function can be implemented in many different ways depending on the blockchain in question. 

The first version of the system was known as proof of work, and it involved the creation of new data blocks through a process known as mining. To gain the privilege of issuing the next data block, vast numbers of computers and specialized mining systems work together to solve complex mathematical challenges.

This was the foundation on which Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), the world’s first cryptocurrency and blockchain system, was built, and it is still in use today. 

An unrealistic investment in mining hardware is required to break the security of this system using a brute-force attack, which is one of the criticisms levied against this method. On the other hand, proponents point to the fact that this method wastes an enormous amount of computing power and electricity.

The proof of stake architecture is yet another well-liked implementation of block mining. In this step, holders of digital tokens that are already part of the blockchain are responsible for validating transactions and baking them into data blocks. 

Data validators must decide whether to stake their tokens on the validation system in this system. Tokens used in this manner cannot be sold, burned, or given away, but you will earn incentives in the form of newly minted data blocks if you continue to utilize them. 

When you stake more tokens, you increase your chances of getting a reward from the next round of minting.

Critics are quick to point out that substantial token holders have excessive power over the type of blockchain network used by this method, even though this strategy reduces the amount of stress placed on the environment. 

Proof-of-stake blockchains cannot deliver on the same promise of totally decentralized operations as other blockchains if you view blockchain technologies and digital currencies as a disruptive alternative to traditional financial institutions and payment systems. Because there is just one point of control centrally located, there is a single point of failure, a vulnerability that malicious actors can more easily exploit.

Important to note:

Blockchain is no exception to the rule that every monetary system and data platform will have some security flaws. Blockchains are not invulnerable to hacking; it is challenging to get through them.

 

How Safe Is Blockchain Technology?

 

Blockchain is no exception to the rule that every monetary system and data platform will have some security flaws. Blockchains are not immune to being hacked. Simply put, it is challenging to go through them.

There are only two ways that the security of an existing blockchain system can be compromised, and both need either a significant amount of computer power (in the case of blockchains that use proof-of-work) or an existing token supply (for proof-of-stake systems).

A 51 per cent assault is the first type of attack vector that can be used. Because most blockchains rely on a simple majority for their network management functions, it is possible to insert fake data, double-spend cryptocurrency coins, and do other harmful things if you control more than half of all verification nodes in the network. 

This is because a simple majority requires a simple majority of all nodes in the network to agree. Again, there is safety in numbers, and it is nearly impossible to carry out this attack on networks as large as Bitcoin or Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH). However, brand-new altcoins may be tiny enough to be susceptible to this strategy.

There is a possibility that bugs in the code of the blockchain management system could make it possible to inject inaccurate data blocks in other ways. 

As is customary, the older and more extensive networks are essentially impervious because they have been running in public for many years while avoiding or blocking every imaginable sort of bug-exploiting assault. This is because they have had more time to perfect their defences.

New bugs may be introduced into the system in subsequent code updates; however, updates are evaluated by thousands of operators who have a vested interest in correct and secure operations. Once most node operators install and run the faulty code, they can only take effect. 

Once more, newer blockchains have a more challenging time in this regard, but they also have the advantage of learning from the blunders made during assaults on larger blockchains.

Bitcoin trading platforms and digital wallets have been hacked, but that’s a different problem from the one we’re talking about here. Cryptocurrency accounts can be hacked due to inadequate security, human mistake, or inadequate resources for cybersecurity; as a result, investors should pay close attention to the reputation of each trading and storage platform about its foolproof security.

 

Standard Precautions to Take

 

Nevertheless, con artists and hackers still steal millions of euros yearly, even with this modern technology. What are the odds of that happening?

The response is that safe blockchain networks are components of an ecosystem, and this ecosystem is only as robust as its most vulnerable component. Blockchain technology itself is safe, but you should still take the standard precautions:

 

• Protect Access To Your Hardware

If you get up from your desk while your computer is still signed in to your cryptocurrency wallet, anyone can rapidly move your cryptocurrency to another account. Because blockchain accounts are anonymous, there is a good chance that you will never discover who stole your cryptocurrency, and there is also a good chance that you will never get your cryptocurrency back.

You are asking for trouble if you keep your passwords in a file on your hard drive titled “passwords,” and if you use that password to protect your cryptocurrency wallet, you are inviting trouble.

When it comes to safeguarding your electronic gadgets, ESET is among the best options available. This software doesn’t slow down your computer or mobile device, but still provides maximum security for them.

Softvire New Zealand provides Android security via two products of ESET in NZ: Internet Security and Mobile Security. Come on in and take advantage of the lowest prices around.

 

• Choose Apps You Trust

Hackers may be able to harness and benefit from a flaw in the coding of newly developed decentralized software for financial transactions if it has yet to be tested. 

Investigate the DeFi apps thoroughly before entrusting them with your money. Who is hiding in the shadows? How many people make up the user base? Questions like these can help point you toward apps that have been here a while and are maintained by professionals.

 

• Exercise Caution

In the world of cryptocurrencies, pump-and-dump schemes are some of the largest and most infamous types of scams. In these schemes, con artists launch a token or create a temporary price boost on social media and then quickly sell their tokens and exit the market, leaving buyers holding worthless tokens. 

These scams take advantage of people so anxious to make a profit that they don’t bother to investigate the sudden surge in price and determine whether or not it accurately reflects the coin’s value.

 

• Take Caution In Selecting Your Home

The protection of user accounts on modern custodial exchanges like Kriptomat is provided by banking-level security protocols. Ask an online platform about its history of security breaches. 

The security measures it takes and any certifications it has achieved for data protection before you entrust an online platform with your financial information and funds. These platforms manage your relationship with the blockchain, and you must be confident in their security.

 

Difference Between Public Blockchains And Private Blockchains

 

Ledger systems based on blockchain technology can be stored on a tightly restricted private network. They can also function on the public internet since they incorporate multiple layers of data security safeguards. 

The vast majority of blockchains and cryptocurrencies discussed daily are open to the public; however, many technology companies are more than glad to set up private blockchain networks for you if that is what you require.

A public blockchain network is open to participation from anyone. The operation of data nodes, the processing of validations, the storage of copies of the entire ledger, and participation in other aspects of the blockchain network are not regulated in any way, which is one of the characteristics that make this kind of system a truly decentralized network.

A private blockchain departs from the principle of decentralized administration by obstructing users’ access to nodes through passwords, two-factor authentication, and many other user management methods. This represents a departure from the ideal of decentralized management. 

In the most extreme cases, the blockchain might operate exclusively within the private network architecture of a single firm or organization. In this scenario, the blockchain would rely on firewalls and secure data centres to maintain tight control over every piece of blockchain data.

This is a sword with two edges, so to speak. A public blockchain’s safety depends on the concept of “safety in numbers.” 

Still, the security of a private network is based on a centralized authority rather than on that concept. If the blockchain in question was built to fulfil a proprietary function, then no one outside of that organization should ever have access to or control over that blockchain. 

This would make sense if the blockchain were designed to serve that role. However, a decentralized approach is safer to deploy in most applications.

 

Applications In The Field Of Blockchain Security

 

In addition to the well-known examples of blockchain-based cryptocurrencies and other applications for decentralized finance, blockchain networks can be utilized with other storage of sensitive information in situations when it is necessary to maintain impenetrable data security.

 

• The Use Of Blockchain In Computer Security

 

In a broad sense, distributed ledgers based on blockchain technology have the capacity to safeguard any stream of transactions, measurable data, personal information, or trade secrets. Naturally, the blockchains utilized for these distinct data streams would be dissimilar.

Using a public blockchain focused on financial data, a mobile app may manage payments in a manner analogous to that of a traditional credit card. 

An Internet of Things (IoT) device can collect data locally, pre-process it into a smaller bundle of data ready for deeper analysis in a data centre somewhere else, and then use an Ethereum-like innovative contract blockchain to submit that package, possibly taking action based on the results. This process is known as data collection, pre-processing, and preparation.

 

• Investing in the Stocks of Cryptocurrencies

These technologies act as the digital blockchain’s portal to communicate with human society.

 

• Investing in Stocks of Blockchain Companies

The technology known as ledgers is the driving force behind cryptocurrencies and other emerging technological developments.

 

• Investing in the Leading Financial Technology Companies

When you combine technology with finance, you create companies that operate in this arena.

 

• Investing in Shares of Technology Companies

This enormous industry is home to some of the most profitable and successful businesses in the entire globe.

 

• The Use Of Blockchain Technology To Secure Data

 

In the not-too-distant future, a blockchain network may be used to manage sensitive personal data like Social Security records, driver’s licenses, and employment histories. It will be up to voters and those in authority to decide whether or not this network should be public or private, as well as whether or not a solution for privately held personal data should fall under government oversight.

The topic of healthcare security should also be brought up, and it will be interesting to see how comfortable we are with the idea of making medical records accessible through a digital network that has a global reach, even if the data itself is safely nested within the typical layers and protocols of security.

These are some of the many applications of blockchain technology that may be found in data security and cybersecurity. As more innovators and businesspeople focus their skills on the blockchain arena, others will likely emerge. The potential applications of these immutable data ledgers have only come to our attention.

 

Conclusion

 

Blockchains have an inherently high level of security. However, crypto losses are still too expected because of security gaps in other parts of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. You should be fine if you take precautions to protect your credentials and conduct commerce solely on reputable platforms.

Check out our article about encryption technology to help further protect your business.