What Are Blockchains Layers 0, 1, and 2? A blockchain is a complex, multi-layered system. Bitcoin, the original blockchain, maintained a distributed and decentralized digital ledger on top of a peer-to-peer network. Later blockchains, like Ethereum, added complexity by integrating smart contract functionality and the technology needed to support these programs that run on top of the blockchain. …

In recent years, many organizations have adopted more modern development practices, including Agile, Scrum, and DevOps. The goal of these new processes is to improve the pace and efficiency of development by streamlining the development process and using automation whenever possible. One of the main shortcomings of most DevOps programs…

Wallets are a logical target for cyber-attacks, along with the emerging institutions that hold custody of them on users’ behalf. While secured with technically unbreakable code, hackers have found numerous ways to gain illicit access to user wallets, whether by deception, theft, or ingenuity. In responding to this threat, the…

Where centralized systems operate on the basis of centralized permission, blockchain protocols proceed on the basis of decentralized consensus. While this is more secure in theory, the system is not flawless. All blockchains are susceptible to consensus hacking, thanks to the ability to simulate, force, or circumvent majority consent for…

Network attacks are a class of exploits that focus on the isolation and manipulation of individual nodes or groups of nodes. While blockchain networks are theoretically robust against such attempts, both hackers and academics have found loopholes that can be used not only to defraud and damage individuals, but also…

The strengths of smart contracts are also the source of its weaknesses, and will always present opportunities for hackers to exploit. So far, the pace of innovation in counter-measures is struggling to keep pace with innovation in the methods of attack. It’s reasonable to assume that as the Web3 environment…

The utopian view of the blockchain as an unhackable alternative to the status quo is a pipedream. Many traditional cyberattacks are effective in a blockchain-based setting, and even cryptographically-secured processes are prone to errors and exploits. …

Market attacks Rely on the mass-manipulation of investors through asymmetric information Pump-and-dump Parties conspire to artificially inflate (pump) the price of an asset using various manipulation tactics (spoofing, wash selling, layering), in advance of selling (dumping) their stake. …

Self-help authors and politicians seem to agree on at least one thing: mindset matters. The shelves of bookstores worldwide are awash with motivational books by evangelical writers hoping to convert readers to their gospel of optimism. …