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What algorithm is adopted to protect the security of Blockchain?

What algorithm is adopted to protect the security of Blockchain

If you have been following cryptocurrency over the last decade, you must have heard the word “Blockchain”,  the record-keeping methodology behind the Bitcoin network. Blockchain technology is basically a distributed database that keeps a continuous rising list of protected records from external emendation. Approximately 5% of the world population use this technology. But, is blockchain completely secure? Well, this can be estimated by evaluating the workings of a blockchain platform. This article will look into essential aspects of blockchain that make it an efficient and safe platform for digital transactions. 

Table of contents 

  • How does a blockchain network work?
  • Algorithm to protect blockchain security:
  • Private and public key
  • Hashing
  • Peer-to-peer network
  • Zero-knowledge proof
  • Closing thought

How does a blockchain network work?

The blockchain network dwells across a system of nodes. When new transactions happen, the blockchain is ascertained across this distributed system before these new transactions can be incorporated as the following blocks on the chain. Hence, the alliance of nodes is needed to put that block into the blockchain. Each block keeps collections of unique transactions and the outcomes of any blockchain executables.  The blockchain platform is trustable because an exact copy of the series, showing every transaction, is attached to the entire network. If somebody tries to cheat the system, they can be identified easily. 

However, sometimes a few things can go wrong in other areas of a blockchain-based application resulting in loss and compromise. For instance, weak access controls, inadequate communication security, certificate management protections, and loose key. For this reason, blockchain uses several algorithms to increase security and provide each user with a safe environment for carrying out transactions.

Algorithms used to protect the blockchain security:

  • Private and public keys

Blockchain technology makes use of asymmetric cryptography for securing transactions among users. In such networks, each user acquires a private and public key. These keys are created with random strings of numbers that are cryptographically linked. No user can surmise another user’s private key by looking at their public key. All users have an address that is emanated from the public key by utilizing a hash function. These addresses are used for sending and receiving investments on the blockchain, I.e. cryptocurrency. Users can view previous transactions and activities on the blockchain as blockchain networks are shared with all parties.

Users’ identities are kept hidden; Senders and receivers of prior transactions are embodied and implied by their addresses; 

This strategy prevents  a malevolent user from observing a specific address’s past transactions  to disclose information.

Private keys protect users’ identities and keep them secure through digital signatures. Private keys let users access personal wallets and funds on the blockchain; this adds a layer of identity authentication. Whenever individuals send money to other users, they should submit a digital signature produced and provided with the private key. This procedure prevents the theft of funds.

Before building transactions into blocks, blockchains hash every transaction. Hash pointers tie each block to its forebear by carrying a hash of the data in the previous block. Hence, a change made in any transaction will generate a completely different hash, which will then modify the hashes of all successive blocks. To produce a modification across the blockchain, around 51% of the system would have to agree to it. This process is termed a “51% attack.”

However, different blockchains employ different cryptography algorithms. The Bitcoin blockchain utilizes the SHA256 algorithm, which generates a 32-byte hash. Litecoin and Dogecoin both use Scrypt. It is one of the lighter and faster cryptography algorithms.

  • Peer-to-peer network    

In big corporations, an enormous amount of users’ personal data is stocked on solitary devices, which increases the risk of losing data if the system got hacked, mishandled, or lost. Blockchain intends to eliminate this dependence on a central authority. To accomplish this, blockchain works in a way where nodes in a blockchain system can affirm the legitimacy of a transaction instead of a third party.

Transactions between clients like sending and accepting digital money are conveyed to each node in the network. Nodes ensure credibility of transaction, before it gets documented as a block on the blockchain and check past transactions of the sender to make sure he/she didn’t double-spend or spend a more extensive amount of funds than they acquire.

Later on, agreement protocols like verification of work and confirmation of stake are sent by miners. These protocols permit nodes to arrive at an agreement state on the order and sum of transactions. When a transaction gets checked, it is distributed as a block on the blockchain. Users’ protection is expanded through the decentralized nature of blockchain, and no need for a central authority.

  • Zero-knowledge proofs

Zero-knowledge proof is a Consensual decision-making process in which one party confirms to another party that data is credible. In this process, the “prover” does not disclose any data about the transaction. This can be achieved through detailed cryptographic techniques. This maintains the decentralized nature of blockchain while reducing transparency; zero-knowledge proofs reflect nothing regarding a transaction except its validity.

Closing Thought

Through the combined use of different algorithms, blockchains are able to fulfil high degrees of security as a distributed system. However, these fields of knowledge must be appropriately assigned. By understanding the algorithm, a user can become a blockchain expert. A careful symmetry between security and decentralization is essential for building a dependable and effective cryptocurrency network. 

To learn more about Blockchain technology and become a Blockchain expert, check out various courses as well as certifications available with Blockchain Council.

What algorithm is adopted to protect the security of Blockchain?

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A Comprehensive Guide on How dApps Differs From Traditional Apps


A Comprehensive Guide on How dApps Differs From Traditional Apps

If you are new to the concept of dApps and wondering how such apps differ from regular mobile applications, you have landed on the right page. This article introduces what decentralized applications are and explains how they differ from regular apps.

Table of Contents 

  • What are dApps?
  • dApps Over Regular Apps 
  • Why Ethereum for dApps?
  • Concluding Lines  

What are dApps?

Decentralized applications, also known as dApps, are a new type of software application, or you can say they are digital applications that, instead of running on a single computer, run on a peer-to-peer blockchain network. 

In other words, they are open-source application software that use smart contracts to run transactions on a peer-to-peer network. The best thing about these applications is that they are not owned by a central authority and cannot be shut down by anyone. 

Want to build your own dApps and become a Certified Blockchain Developer? Get started today with Blockchain Council. 

dApps Over Regular Apps 

There are some key differences between a dApp and an app. Let’s figure it out. 

  • Centralized Vs. Decentralized 

The basic key difference between each of them is mainly because of the underlying principle of decentralization. Unlike traditional apps that are governed by centralized controlling authority, decentralized applications run on a peer-to-peer blockchain. 

  • Trustable 

Decentralized Applications are trustable among users, and this is because users get control and ownership of their data and assets. But in terms of ease of use, regular apps are more user-friendly. 

  • Cost of Development 

While developing a regular app, one has to take into consideration various factors such as the cost of cloud server fees, maintenance fees, and others. But in the case of dApps, Blockchain Developers need not worry about such factors as dApp cost includes development, deployment, and even upgrade.

Compared to the traditional applications, the speed of dApps are comparatively slow. According to Blockchain Developers, such apps can process only around 15 transactions per second. But as the dApp industry is booming and showing no sign of slowing down, it is clear that soon it will be able to scale up thousands of transactions in the years to come. 

  • Security 

When it comes to security, Blockchain-based apps are more secured compared to regular mobile apps. Since these apps are decentralized, they are tamper-proof, and the records stored are unalterable. Here it is important to note that the wallet address of users and their interactions are stored when someone uses a dApp which can be seen by everyone. Still, they are secured. Also, they are immutable from hacking and other potential destructions. 

  • Usage Cost

As we all know, most of the regular apps are free, which means users need not pay any amount for using that app. But in the case of dApps, users have to pay a small fee every time they use a decentralized application. If you are wondering what determines the cost while using such apps, remember that the more complicated an app is, the higher the fee. 

Why Ethereum for dApps?

Decentralized applications are generally powered by Ethereum Blockchain. In other words, we can say that Ethereum currently dominates dApp development, and there are several reasons for that. 

The first and foremost reason is that Ethereum implements a development interface that reduces programming time and instantly launches projects. 

Moreover, with the integration of development kits, application templates, and MetaMask, Ethereum Blockchain provides a developer-friendly experience that has proven efficient in attracting new projects and large communities.

Want to learn more about Ethereum and become a Certified Ethereum Expert? Wait no more. Get started today with Blockchain Council. 

Concluding Lines 

This has led us to the end of the discussion, and from the above discussion, it is clear that dApps outstands when compared to regular mobile apps in terms of transparency, reliability, flexibility, and scalability, and these factors are stimulating the global DApps Market.

If we look at the statistics, it was estimated that the market size of dApps was valued at USD 10.52 Billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 368.25 Billion by the year 2027 at a CAGR of 56.1%. The rising demand for fast transaction processes and the advantages of DApps in terms of transparency, reliability, flexibility, and scalability are spurring the global dApps market.

Since dapps are new innovative technologies, learning how to build dApps on Ethereum can bring tremendous career opportunities in the Blockchain space. If you are interested in learning how to build dApps from scratch, you can get enrolled in Blockchain Council and become a Certified Blockchain Developer.

To get instant updates about Blockchain Technology and to learn more about online blockchain certifications, check out Blockchain Council. 

A Comprehensive Guide on How dApps Differs From Traditional Apps

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A detailed history of blockchain: From the Establishment to Broad Adoption

A detailed history of blockchain From the Establishment to Broad Adoption

Blockchain has gotten an ample amount of appreciation in the most recent couple of years, with the potential to come across as an extraordinary power to transform businesses. Blockchain technology is a computerized record of an action that is copied and conveyed across the whole organization of the blockchain platform through computer networks. Sounds confusing, isn’t it? Truth to be told, Blockchain is much easier to understand than the above description.

For understanding the concept, it is feasible to look back at its historical background and learn about its origin to significant turns of events and innovations. Bits of knowledge into the background of Blockchain will assist us with addressing these queries like the exact meaning of the term,  working environment, problems it can solve, and where it can be implemented. All these insights will help us to place the right expectations for its future.

Table of content

  • What exactly is Blockchain?
  • When did the Blockchain first appear?
  • Who is behind blockchain technology?
  • How is Blockchain created?
  • Identifying a suitable Use-case
  • Selection of Suitable Consensus protocol
  • selection of a suitable platform
  • Node designing
  • Designing the Blockchain parameter configuration
  • APIs
  • Building admin and user Interfaces
  • Adding smart technology
  • Closing Thoughts.

What exactly is Blockchain?

A blockchain is a disseminated network that comprises computer systems associated with the Internet, which all together keep the account of transactions. In the Blockchain, one record is dispersed and protected across the system. Each computer in the group approves the exchanges. However, nobody has power over the network, not like various clients functioning in a centralized network. 

A blockchain incorporates a sequence of blocks, which are information units used to store value-based data of the organization. To add a block into a blockchain, these steps ought to occur:

  • When an exchange is performed, then it should be confirmed by a group of computer networks. The exchange should be compiled in a block; after getting approval from the network group. The digital signature of the sender and the receiver and the dollar’s value has to be stored in a block. 
  • A block should be given a hash to separate it from different blocks. This block additionally contains data of the hash of the newest added block into a blockchain. When hashed, this block can be put into the Blockchain.
  • After the inclusion of a new block in the Blockchain, the complete information of this exchange will be public, and any user in the network can explore this exchange data, for example, who sent it? Who received it? Who added this exchange to the block? When did the exchange occur? And so on. The information is apparent and auditable yet not editable.

A block is only digital data. A “chain” is characterized as a common information base. In this way, when we say Blockchain – we intend to discuss the digital data which is kept in a public data set.

When did Blockchain first appear? 

The very first appearance of Blockchain was seen in 2008. It was introduced by an individual named ‘Satoshi Nakamoto.’ Nakamoto improved the blockchain structure effectively, utilizing a Hashcash-like strategy to keep records of time and date of added blocks without expecting them to be endorsed by a central party and embedding boundaries to balance out the rate at which blocks were to be added to the chain. Next year, this blockchain structure was recognized as a central part of the cryptocurrency bitcoin, where it acts as the public record for all exchanges carried on the network. 

In August of 2014, the size of stored records of all exchanges that have happened on the bitcoin blockchain network filled up to 20 GB. In January 2015, the size had reached nearly 30 GB. This size expanded from 50 GB to 100 GB between January 2016 to 2017. While reaching halfway to 2020, this record size exceeded 200 GiB.

Who is behind Blockchain technology?

It is essential to learn about the historical background of Blockchain for Blockchain supporters and Blockchain prospects. Thus, to help readers to comprehend the Blockchain advancement, let us learn the  history of this technology:

1991-2008: Creation Period of  Blockchain Technology

Blockchain emerged in 1991  when W. Scott Stornetta and Stuart Haber deliberated what the world has come to know as a “Blockchain.” Their early work included shaping a cryptographically secured blockchain where nobody could alter timestamps of records. 

In 1992, they updated their technique to consolidate Merkle trees that improved proficiency hence providing the assortment of more reports on a solitary block. Nonetheless, in 2008, the term “Blockchain” began to acquire importance when Satoshi Nakamoto ingrained his idea of Blockchain in the blockchain space. 

Satoshi Nakamoto is credited as the master of blockchain innovation. There is not much knowledge about Nakamoto as individuals speculate he could be a single person or a group that molded Bitcoin, the primary application of digital roster technology.

How is a Blockchain created?

Here are steps that are needed to create a blockchain:

Step 1: Identifying a suitable Use-case

There are three use-cases where blockchains do very well:

  • Data Authentication and Verification: It focuses on encryption, inflexible storage and digital signatures, creation of private and public keys, and verifying digital signatures.  
  • Smart Asset Management: This focuses on disbursement, revenue, trade, bond, and retirement. In crypto, real-world properties are represented in the form of a token, for example, land, infrastructure, gold, silver, oil.
  • Smart Contracts: This focuses on trade between dealer and buyer with smart contracts.

Step 2: Selection of Suitable Consensus Protocol

Depending on your requirements, you need to choose the right consensus protocol among:

  • Deposit based consensus
  • Proof of stake
  • Delegated Proof of Stake.
  • Derived PBFT
  • Byzantine fault-tolerant
  •  Federated Byzantine Agreement
  • Redundant Byzantine Fault Tolerance
  • Federated consensus
  • Proof of Elapsed Time
  • Simplified Byzantine Fault Tolerance
  •  Round Robin

Step 3: Selection of a Blockchain Platform

This depends on your choice of consensus protocol. Many of them are cost-free and open source. Here are some examples:

Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, Quorum,
HydraChain, Stellar, Hyperledger Iroha,
Open chain, Hyperledger Sawtooth Lake, and many more.

Step 4: Node designing

Blockchain systems can be designed as private/public,  permission-less as well as with permission, or even hybrid. 

Another important factor to be considered at this step is whether the nodes are running on-premise or in the cloud. Also, the selection of operating systems and tasks related to hardware configuration such as processors, and memory and disk size is to be done in this step. 

Step 5: Designing the Blockchain Parameter Configuration

Usually, blockchain platforms require a thoroughly plotted configuration for elements like permissions, atomic trades, key management, asset issuance, multiple signatures, address formats, hand-shaking, etc.

Step 6: APIs

Most platforms offer pre-built APIs, while others don’t. The issues that you’ll need APIs for are: 

  • For developing keys and addresses.
  • Conducting auditable processes.
  • Performing data verification by using hash and digital signatures.
  • For holding data and its recovery.
  • Managing smart-asset, I.e., distribution, bond, donations, business, etc.
  • Creating smart contracts.

Step 7: Building admin and user Interfaces

At this step, you’ll select the programming languages. You’ll also have to pick external databases and servers.

Step 8: Adding smart technology 

Boost the potential of your Blockchain solution with the addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud, data analytics, biometrics, machine learning, and bots.

Closing Thoughts

The Blockchain provides amazing advancements in security, decentralization, transparency, and unchangeable data. These qualities make it a perfect tool for future applications. 

It has marked its territory in many industries, and many more yet have to embed it.

Learn more about blockchain technology and take up a suitable blockchain course at Blockchain Council.

A detailed history of blockchain: From the Establishment to Broad Adoption

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Tools for Testing your Blockchain Applications

Tools for Testing your Blockchain Applications

Are you a Blockchain developer? Want to learn how to get started with Blockchain and test your blockchain-based applications? You have landed on the right page. This article talks about some common types of testing, enlisting popular tools for testing Blockchain applications, detailing challenges associated with the testing. 

Table of Contents 

  • Some Common Types of Testing
  • Popular Tools for Testing Blockchain Apps 
  • Challenges in Blockchain Testing
  • Wrapping Up

Some Common Types of Testing

Blockchain applications are gaining popularity, especially by some prominent industries due to the fact that they are decentralized and follow a secure structure. 

Various types of testing are performed to ensure complete test coverage and achieve excellence for blockchain apps.

  • Functional testing is one type of testing that evaluates several functional parts of the Blockchain, such as smart contracts. 
  • Application Programming Interface testing is also a part of Blockchain testing as it addresses the interaction between apps and ensures that API requests and replies are formatted and managed accurately. 
  • To ensure smooth cooperation, node testing is also crucial. In this type of testing, all heterogeneous nodes on the Blockchain network must be validated and tested independently. 
  • Performance testing and load testing are also crucial in order to check how Blockchain application performs in production and under specific workloads and network conditions and suggests the methods of fine-tuning the system.

Want to gain an in-depth understanding of Blockchain and become a Certified Blockchain Developer? Get started today with Blockchain Council.

Popular Tools for Testing Blockchain Apps 

Now let’s talk about some of the popular tools for testing Blockchain applications.

Hyperledger Composer

Under Hyperledger Umbrella, Hyperledger Composer is a business-oriented set of tools that helps developers to build blockchain applications. With the help of this tool, you can perform three types of testing, such as interactive testing, automated unit testing, and automated system testing, each serving different purposes and ensuring the success of your blockchain projects.

Truffle Suite

This framework is known to offer good testing features such as automated testing, especially for Ethereum developers, and extends its functionalities beyond testing as well. By utilizing this framework, developers can write simple and manageable tests in two different ways, including javascript and Solidity.

Ethereum Tester

Ethereum Tester is a tool suite for testing applications based on Ethereum. We can also say that it is an open-source testing library that is available as a Github repo. Moreover, this tester provides a strong guarantee that backends can be swapped out without affecting the data formats of both the input arguments and return values. 

Moreover, it is easy to set up with manageable API support for various Testing requirements with this tool.

 Embark

Embark is another tool for testing smart contracts, and its framework allows you to develop and deploy decentralized applications easily and quickly. This tool enables you to perform test-driven development with contracts, keep track of deployed contracts, manage different chains, manage complicated systems of interdependent contracts, and other crucial tasks.

Challenges in Blockchain Testing

Now, as we have learned about a few common types of Blockchain testing and looked at popular tools, let’s explore what the major challenges are.

Understanding Technology– The major challenge is that Blockchain is comparatively a new technology, and very few have in-depth knowledge related to this futuristic technology. In order to test an application, its domain knowledge is very important. 

Selecting the right tool: There are not many tools for testing Blockchain-based applications, and therefore, choosing the right tool is often difficult.

Defining Test Strategy– Defining a strategy for testing a Blockchain application is crucial, and it requires a thorough understanding of the technology.

Block Size and Chain Size– As a part of testing, testing for block size and chain size is also essential. This is important because apps may fail without proper validation of block and chain size.

Integration Testing– As the name suggests, integration testing is all about integrating all components involved in the Blockchain app and then testing in order to ensure that each component is integrated correctly to avoid any failures.

Securing Data– Another most important challenge associated with the testing phase is that of security. Securing the data is crucial as malicious attacks can impact the Blockchain apps.

Wrapping Up 

Hope, you have gained a thorough understanding of tools for testing your applications and the challenges associated with Blockchain testing. 

At present, the demand for Blockchain developers is soaring. If you want to gain an in-depth understanding of the functional and technical aspects of Blockchain technology, Blockchain Council is here to assist you.  

Blockchain Council is one of the best online educational platforms that impart world-class training and certification courses in blockchain technologies, including Hyperledger, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Quorum, Corda, and others. If you are interested in learning, we are here to help you gain the knowledge you need to have a lucrative career in this domain.

To get instant updates about Blockchain Technology and to learn more about online Blockchain Certifications, check out Blockchain Council. 

Tools for Testing your Blockchain Applications

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Blockchain in Telecom Explained

Wondering why telecom companies are adopting Blockchain technology? What are its use-cases in the telecom domain? This article has got you covered.

Table of Contents

  • Definition of Blockchain
  • Why Discussing Blockchain in a Telecoms Context is Crucial?
  • Blockchain Use-Cases in Telecommunications 
  • Concluding Lines: What is Achieved and What can be Achieved Further?

Definition of Blockchain

In most simple words, Blockchain is a Peer-to-Peer(P2P), decentralized, public ledger that records online transactions and works without involving any third-party.

It records all the transactions that have taken place in a secure and immutable way, thus ensuring security and privacy. Blockchain technology has become popular because of its ability to offer decentralization, reliability, and security. Apart from this, Blockchain does not take a lengthy process for verification, agreement, and approval.

Want to gain an in-depth understanding of Blockchain and become a Certified Blockchain Developer? Get started today with Blockchain Council.

Why Discussing Blockchain in a Telecoms Context is Crucial?

Blockchain, which started as a peer-to-peer version of electronic cash, has the potential to revamp and reconstruct almost every industry, including supply chain, finance, healthcare, logistics, telecom, among others. Technology has captured the popular imagination due to its ability to provide complete transparency, immutability, privacy, and security. When it comes to the telecom industry, there are various challenges. 

Despite the fact that the telecommunication sector has changed a lot over the last 20 years, still, both providers and subscribers struggle with roaming, high fees, risk of fraud, privacy issues, and so much more. When it comes to inter-carrier transactions, they rely on a mix of automated and manual systems that make the method of doing business together complicated, delayed, and expensive. 

Blockchain Use-Cases in Telecommunications 

Blockchain is arising as a revolutionary technology to manage all the existing issues in the telecom industry, thus opening a new era in terms of efficiency, transparency, and security. Due to its potential to enable full automation in financial settlement and fraud prevention to KYC procedures for onboarding customers, this technology is transforming telecom for good. Let’s explore some of its use-cases in the telecom industry.

  • Roaming and Settlements

As we already mentioned, roaming is one of the major issues because intermediaries are involved in controlling roaming partner settlements, which takes around two months to get resolved. This process further leads to manual errors, frauds, lack of transparency, and other issues.

This complex process can be automated by using smart contracts functionality. Smart Contracts on the Blockchain network can ensure the settlement between the participating members by eliminating third-party intermediaries and automating the SLA agreements through tamper-proof verifiable transactions and real-time updates to the end-users.

  • Identity Management and Fraud Prevention

Identity Management and fraud prevention in the telecom industry is another crucial aspect because multiple third-party agents handle the submission of identity documents; thus, the chances of misuse and leakages are more. Blockchain can address such issues by offering decentralized storage with control remaining entirely in the hands of document owners. Its immutable nature will not only help reduce forgery but also control the submission of fraudulent documents. 

In the telecom industry, the large instances of databases and storage can be replaced with distributed ledgers, thus eliminating various issues.

  • Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

If you have ever gone through the MNP process, you must have realized that it’s a long, time-consuming process. The reason for high processing time is essentially due to data mismatch between operators and periodic updation required from the central database.

Blockchain can streamline this entire complex process by providing a single source of truth where all service providers can review and action requests for Mobile Number Portability. The distributed ledger will help eradicate single-point failure, as all service providers have access to the shared data. Thus instead of days, MNP can be achieved almost instantaneously.

Concluding Lines: What is Achieved and What can be Achieved Further?

Due to Blockchain’s potential, various telecom industries, including Airtel, AT&T, Vodafone, among others, are utilizing this technology to enhance their services. For instance, Telefonica has collaborated with IBM and uses the IBM platform to log information collected by various networks when routing international calls in order to improve the reliability and transparency of collected information. Similarly, Vodafone, a global telecom giant, leverages Blockchain to bring clarity and efficiency to transformed processes. Moreover, other well-known telecom industries are using Blockchain to enable micropayments for music, mobile games, and other value-added services. 

Thus from the above discussion, we can conclude that this distributed ledger technology is taking the entire world into the future, and despite this, there is so much room for exploring and discovering new opportunities.

To get instant updates about Blockchain Technology and to learn more about online Blockchain Certifications, check out Blockchain Council. 

Blockchain in Telecom Explained

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