Insights
Bryant Nielson | December 6, 2023
Plotting Governance Guideposts for Decentralized Finance
Decentralized finance (DeFi) promises disintermediated financial systems with no central authorities. However, governing these ecosystems for stability and aligned incentives remains vital. By examining emerging governance models and risks, we… Continue reading Plotting Governance Guideposts for Decentralized Finance
Bryant Nielson | November 29, 2023
Illuminating the Shadows of Smart Contract Risks
Smart contracts are self-executing programs that encode complex business logic on blockchains. However, being immutable and managing valuable assets also makes smart contracts prime targets. Their unique security risks require… Continue reading Illuminating the Shadows of Smart Contract Risks
Bryant Nielson | November 22, 2023
Battling Key Custody Calamities and Catastrophes
In the blockchain world, losing private keys is akin to torching your treasury. Without keys, users are locked out of their funds and control is lost. Myriad threats exist to… Continue reading Battling Key Custody Calamities and Catastrophes
Bryant Nielson | November 15, 2023
Securing Keys Across the Kingdoms of Cold and Hot Storage
For blockchain participants, protecting the private keys that authorize access to funds and contracts is paramount. Various storage models exist on a spectrum from cold storage that keeps keys offline,… Continue reading Securing Keys Across the Kingdoms of Cold and Hot Storage
Bryant Nielson | November 8, 2023
How to Forge Strong Blockchain Keys
Cryptographic keys form the basis of security for blockchain networks. Private keys in particular prove ownership of assets and authorize transactions. The randomness and secrecy of private keys is paramount.… Continue reading How to Forge Strong Blockchain Keys
Bryant Nielson | November 1, 2023
A Cryptographer’s Guide: Demystifying Keys and Cryptography
Cryptography plays a crucial role in blockchain technology, yet the mathematical principles involved can seem esoteric. By decoding key concepts in public key cryptography and cryptographic hash functions, professionals can… Continue reading A Cryptographer’s Guide: Demystifying Keys and Cryptography
Bryant Nielson | October 25, 2023
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Securing Keys While Maintaining Accessibility
Cryptographic keys enable the miracles of blockchain, but also carry great accountability. Mishandled keys risk compromise and lockout. Yet overly strict protocols frustrate usability. The art of key management lies… Continue reading With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Securing Keys While Maintaining Accessibility
Bryant Nielson | October 25, 2023
Assessing Blockchain Solutions with a Security Eye
Blockchain technology has seen tremendous growth and adoption across industries in recent years. However, before embarking on a blockchain journey, it is crucial for organizations to thoroughly evaluate potential use… Continue reading Assessing Blockchain Solutions with a Security Eye
Bryant Nielson | October 24, 2023
The Weakest Link: How Failing Private Key Security Destroys Blockchains
At its foundations, blockchain depends on private keys remaining secret and controlled. But throughout history, weak links in private key management have repeatedly led to catastrophic destruction. No matter how… Continue reading The Weakest Link: How Failing Private Key Security Destroys Blockchains
Bryant Nielson | October 23, 2023
Braving the Dungeons of Private Key Security
In the realm of blockchain, private keys unlock access to users’ precious digital assets. But when dragged carelessly into dungeons, even the sturdiest private key can become compromised. This guide… Continue reading Braving the Dungeons of Private Key Security
Bryant Nielson | October 22, 2023
A Guildmaster’s Guide to Key Management for Blockchain
In role-playing lore, guildmasters oversee the policies and practices upholding security across their realms. For blockchain, cryptographic keys constitute the master seals guarding access. Managing keys appropriately is essential to… Continue reading A Guildmaster’s Guide to Key Management for Blockchain
Bryant Nielson | October 20, 2023
The Genesis of Keys: Best Practices for Generating Strong Cryptographic Keys
The cryptographic keys underpinning blockchain act as the guardian seals restricting access to transactions and data. Generating sufficiently strong, secure keys constitutes foundational blockchain security. This guide will unveil the… Continue reading The Genesis of Keys: Best Practices for Generating Strong Cryptographic Keys
Bryant Nielson | October 18, 2023
Account Abstraction: Advancing Security and Functionality in Blockchain
Account abstraction is an emerging technique for simplifying blockchain user experiences. As discussed previously, abstraction hides unnecessary complexity behind smart contracts and human-readable IDs. However, the impact goes beyond usability… Continue reading Account Abstraction: Advancing Security and Functionality in Blockchain
Bryant Nielson | October 18, 2023
A Map to the Mathematical Wonderland: Demystifying Cryptography
Blockchain owes its cryptographic security to mathematic magic that may seem puzzling. However, peer behind the curtain and you find concrete mathematical foundations underpinning its wonders. This guide serves as… Continue reading A Map to the Mathematical Wonderland: Demystifying Cryptography
Bryant Nielson | October 11, 2023
Account Abstraction: Simplifying User Experience in Blockchain
The world of blockchain and cryptocurrency is often seen as complicated and confusing, especially for new users. Accounts – the basis for interacting on blockchains like Ethereum – have traditionally… Continue reading Account Abstraction: Simplifying User Experience in Blockchain
Bryant Nielson | September 12, 2023
Assessing Blockchain Solutions with a Security-First Mindset
Blockchain’s decentralized nature offers tantalizing benefits for business, from supply chain transparency to automating workflows. But before jumping on the blockchain bandwagon, it’s critical to evaluate use cases with security… Continue reading Assessing Blockchain Solutions with a Security-First Mindset
Bryant Nielson | September 10, 2023
An Auditor’s Guidebook: The Magic of Smart Contract Auditing
Smart contracts are powerful spells, but even the wisest wizard cannot catch every bug in their own code. Auditing provides a crucial second set of eyes, unveiling flaws that may… Continue reading An Auditor’s Guidebook: The Magic of Smart Contract Auditing
Bryant Nielson | September 8, 2023
The Smart Contract Spellbooks: Mastering Secure Code for Blockchain
Smart contracts are the wizards of blockchain, weaving complex financial magic atop decentralized ledgers. But with great power comes great responsibility. A single vulnerability can bring down entire networks. To… Continue reading The Smart Contract Spellbooks: Mastering Secure Code for Blockchain
Bryant Nielson | September 6, 2023
Navigating the Treacherous Seas of DeFi: Avoiding Vulnerabilities in Decentralized Finance
The decentralized finance (DeFi) movement promises to revolutionize finance by removing intermediaries and connecting directly through code. However, beneath the surface lie treacherous waters, rife with vulnerabilities that threaten even… Continue reading Navigating the Treacherous Seas of DeFi: Avoiding Vulnerabilities in Decentralized Finance
Bryant Nielson | September 4, 2023
The Quest for the Optimal Consensus Mechanism
Since Bitcoin launched in 2009, blockchain platforms have relied on consensus mechanisms to securely add new transactions. Yet no consensus method perfectly optimizes for the desired attributes of decentralization, security,… Continue reading The Quest for the Optimal Consensus Mechanism
Bryant Nielson | August 28, 2023
Beyond Proof of Work and Proof of Stake: Emerging Consensus Models
Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) are the two dominant blockchain consensus models today. However, they each have drawbacks that have motivated researchers to develop innovative new… Continue reading Beyond Proof of Work and Proof of Stake: Emerging Consensus Models
Bryant Nielson | August 21, 2023
The Evolution of Blockchain Consensus: From Proof of Work to Proof of Stake
When Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin in 2008, he introduced the concept of a decentralized digital currency powered by a novel consensus mechanism called Proof of Work (PoW). This allowed participants… Continue reading The Evolution of Blockchain Consensus: From Proof of Work to Proof of Stake
Bryant Nielson | August 14, 2023
Hardening Blockchain Nodes Against Attack
The decentralized node networks powering blockchain face threats from hackers exploiting vulnerabilities to disrupt consensus and availability. Nodes must be hardened to withstand attacks like DDoS, DoS, de-peering, Sybil attacks,… Continue reading Hardening Blockchain Nodes Against Attack
Bryant Nielson | August 14, 2023
Blockchain and Baseball: The Scoreboard – Tracking the Blocks and Hits
In baseball, the scoreboard acts as a ledger to track key events like runs, hits, and errors to provide a snapshot of the game’s progress. Likewise, a blockchain records transactions… Continue reading Blockchain and Baseball: The Scoreboard – Tracking the Blocks and Hits
Bryant Nielson | August 12, 2023
How to Secure Your Blockchain Wallet and Transactions
Blockchain wallets that store cryptocurrencies and digital assets are prime targets for hackers. While the blockchain itself is decentralized and secure, users must take care to properly secure access to… Continue reading How to Secure Your Blockchain Wallet and Transactions
Bryant Nielson | August 10, 2023
zk-SNARKs and the Evolution of Blockchain Privacy
While blockchain’s transparency helps prevent fraud, sharing all transaction details publicly risks privacy violations. Emerging cryptographic innovations like zero-knowledge proofs offer new ways to maximize both privacy and security on… Continue reading zk-SNARKs and the Evolution of Blockchain Privacy
Bryant Nielson | August 9, 2023
Securing Blockchain Smart Contracts and DApps
Smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) built on blockchain introduce new attack surfaces and vulnerabilities compared to simple value transactions. Without proper security engineering, exploitable code risks theft and loss… Continue reading Securing Blockchain Smart Contracts and DApps
Bryant Nielson | August 8, 2023
Case Study – The Verge 51% Attack and Blockchain Consensus Vulnerabilities
In April 2018, the Verge blockchain fell victim to a damaging 51% attack. Within hours, threat actors took over Verge’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism and successfully double spent coins, stealing an… Continue reading Case Study – The Verge 51% Attack and Blockchain Consensus Vulnerabilities
Bryant Nielson | August 7, 2023
Blockchain and Baseball: The Growth and Adoption – Following the Progress of the Game
Since its origins over 10 years ago, blockchain has rapidly evolved from an obscure technology into a catalyst for transformation across industries. Comparably, baseball grew in popularity over the 20th… Continue reading Blockchain and Baseball: The Growth and Adoption – Following the Progress of the Game
Bryant Nielson | August 6, 2023
Consensus Models – Understanding Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake Security
At the heart of any blockchain is the consensus mechanism – the distributed process that allows nodes to agree on the state of the ledger. Two primary approaches have emerged… Continue reading Consensus Models – Understanding Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake Security
Bryant Nielson | August 5, 2023
Case Study – How LISK Leverages Cryptography for Blockchain Security
Blockchain platforms aim to secure sensitive transaction data and consensus mechanisms without centralized oversight. As a leading blockchain for decentralized applications, LISK provides an insightful case study into how cryptographic… Continue reading Case Study – How LISK Leverages Cryptography for Blockchain Security
Bryant Nielson | August 3, 2023
Hashing and Public Keys – The Cryptographic Foundations of Blockchain
Behind the scenes of every blockchain transaction and consensus mechanism lies powerful cryptographic code. Two keystone techniques provide the bedrock of security for blockchain platforms: hashing and public key encryption.… Continue reading Hashing and Public Keys – The Cryptographic Foundations of Blockchain
Bryant Nielson | August 2, 2023
Securing Blockchain Architecture – Core Principles and Best Practices
The innovative potential of blockchain technology relies on networks that are resilient, distributed, and resistant to unauthorized access or tampering. Achieving these critical security goals requires incorporating core principles into… Continue reading Securing Blockchain Architecture – Core Principles and Best Practices
Bryant Nielson | August 1, 2023
An Introduction to Blockchain Security Threats
Blockchain technology offers many advantages in terms of decentralized, transparent, and immutable record-keeping. However, like any technology, blockchains also come with a variety of security risks that need to be… Continue reading An Introduction to Blockchain Security Threats
Bryant Nielson | July 31, 2023
Blockchain and Baseball Players and Positions – Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities
Blockchain networks and professional baseball teams are complex systems requiring different participants to play specialized roles. From cryptocurrency miners validating transactions to pitchers throwing heat on the mound, responsibility is… Continue reading Blockchain and Baseball Players and Positions – Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities
Bryant Nielson | July 24, 2023
Blockchain Fundamentals – Just Like Learning the Rules of Baseball
For many people, blockchain technology seems complex, dense, and filled with unfamiliar technical terms. Cryptography, distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms – it’s enough to make your head spin! Baseball too has… Continue reading Blockchain Fundamentals – Just Like Learning the Rules of Baseball
Bryant Nielson | June 16, 2023
Blockchain as the new corporation – moving to a DAO
If you have not heard of the term DAO, it is the short form of Decentralized Autonomous Organization. You are going to hear it frequently in the blockchain era. Blockchain… Continue reading Blockchain as the new corporation – moving to a DAO
Bryant Nielson | June 12, 2023
Caught in Blockchain’s Digital Headlights
Nolan Bauerle, an author at Coindesk, says that blockchain technology based on its qualities and merits is not the new technology. Instead, it is a blend of proven technologies being… Continue reading Caught in Blockchain’s Digital Headlights
Bryant Nielson | June 9, 2023
Blockchain Digital Implementation Strategies
Blockchain technology is becoming more mainstream in business IT strategies in multiple industries. For instance, the food giant Walmart has announced several projects involving blockchain technology. Walmart, in collaboration with… Continue reading Blockchain Digital Implementation Strategies
Bryant Nielson | June 7, 2023
Strategic Technology Choices
Hyper-automation, AI security, blockchain, distributed cloud, and IoT drive disruption and result in opportunities that make the strategic technology choices for this year. Astonishing technologies such as hearing aids and… Continue reading Strategic Technology Choices
Bryant Nielson | June 2, 2023
Those Who Control the Blockchain Talent Win
Blockchain networks are leveraged on novel principles like permission-less use, open access, and decentralized infrastructure that is devoid of control by one person. However, a myth getting increasingly popular these… Continue reading Those Who Control the Blockchain Talent Win
Bryant Nielson | May 26, 2023
Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Soulbound Tokens in Education
As the potential of Soulbound Tokens in education becomes more apparent, several real-life examples of successful implementations have emerged. In this article, we will explore these case studies to understand… Continue reading Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Soulbound Tokens in Education
Bryant Nielson | May 24, 2023
Blockchain For Healthcare Benefits Both Patients & Healthcare Administrators
According to an article published in Forbes, the United States is all set to spend around 20 percent of its GDP on healthcare in 2021. The challenges faced by the… Continue reading Blockchain For Healthcare Benefits Both Patients & Healthcare Administrators
Bryant Nielson | May 19, 2023
The Impact of Soulbound Tokens on the Value and Perception of Educational Content
The value and perception of educational content are crucial factors that influence students’ choices and their willingness to invest time and resources in learning. Traditional educational materials, like textbooks and… Continue reading The Impact of Soulbound Tokens on the Value and Perception of Educational Content
Bryant Nielson | May 15, 2023
A Simple Smart Contract for Non-Programmers to Read
This smart contract allows two players to place a bet on a number between 1 and 100. One player can choose the winning number, and then both players can place… Continue reading A Simple Smart Contract for Non-Programmers to Read
Bryant Nielson | May 12, 2023
Monetizing and Rewarding Educational Content with Soulbound Tokens
The traditional models of funding education primarily rely on tuition fees, government funding, and donations. These methods, while they have served us well for centuries, have their limitations and challenges.… Continue reading Monetizing and Rewarding Educational Content with Soulbound Tokens
Bryant Nielson | May 10, 2023
How Blockchain Disruption is Revolutionizing Various Industries
The Workforce Revolution has begun Blockchain technology is considered to be one of the most revolutionary technologies of our time, following the success of Bitcoin. It is a decentralized, secure,… Continue reading How Blockchain Disruption is Revolutionizing Various Industries
Bryant Nielson | May 8, 2023
Blockchain, the Supply Chain’s Efficiency Elixir?
An article published on Spend Me Not clearly revealed that more than 50 percent of global businesses view blockchain as their strategic priority and that global spending on blockchain technology… Continue reading Blockchain, the Supply Chain’s Efficiency Elixir?
Bryant Nielson | May 5, 2023
Soul bound Tokens as a Verification Tool in Education
The education sector has long grappled with the issue of verifying and validating learning achievements. Traditional methods, such as transcripts and certificates, are vulnerable to forgery and loss. With the… Continue reading Soul bound Tokens as a Verification Tool in Education
Bryant Nielson | May 1, 2023
7 Reasons Elected Officials Need to Learn More About Blockchain
As the adoption of blockchain technology continues to grow, it is increasingly important for elected officials to understand the technology and its potential impact. Here are seven reasons why elected… Continue reading 7 Reasons Elected Officials Need to Learn More About Blockchain
Bryant Nielson | April 24, 2023
What are Consensus Mechanisms in Blockchains
Consensus is a critical component of any blockchain system. It ensures that all nodes in the network agree on the state of the blockchain and the validity of transactions, and… Continue reading What are Consensus Mechanisms in Blockchains
Bryant Nielson | April 17, 2023
How will blockchain impact the Insurance industry?
Insurance companies are working in a highly competitive environment where both retail and corporate clients want the best value for their money and an unmatched online experience. Blockchain technology brings… Continue reading How will blockchain impact the Insurance industry?
Bryant Nielson | March 27, 2023
CBDC What Value Do They Bring To The Market?
As central banks are intensifying their research on the Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the CBDCs’ international dimension to facilitate cross-border payments will be huge. While most of the CBDCs… Continue reading CBDC What Value Do They Bring To The Market?
Bryant Nielson | March 20, 2023
CBDC: Do They Need Blockchain Or DLTs To Run?
Discussions that include Central bank Digital Currencies are often implicitly linked with blockchains and DLTs, Digital Ledger Technology. Since the whole financial market has begun to take an interest in… Continue reading CBDC: Do They Need Blockchain Or DLTs To Run?
Bryant Nielson | January 2, 2023
What are Soulbound Tokens
Soulbound Tokens empower individuals to own their data. Soulbound tokens are digital assets that represent unique items or experiences. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that are freely exchanged for one another, soulbound… Continue reading What are Soulbound Tokens
Bryant Nielson | November 18, 2022
Blockchain as the new corporation – moving to a DAO
Blockchain as the new corporation – moving to a DAO (Distributed Autonomous Organization) If you have not heard of the term DAO, it is the short form of Decentralized Autonomous… Continue reading Blockchain as the new corporation – moving to a DAO
Ryan Williams | October 22, 2022
Blockchain Student Orientation Overview
Blockchain Student Orientation Overview Whether enrolling in a single online course or an extensive Certification program, you must prepare for the academic and social learning that compose your educational journey.… Continue reading Blockchain Student Orientation Overview
Bryant Nielson | July 29, 2022
3 Reasons Why Companies Who Invest in Blockchain Talent Today Will Rule Over the Blockchain Industry of Tomorrow
Blockchain networks built on novel principles like permission-less use, open access, and decentralized infrastructure devoid of the control by one person are hallmarks of the emerging technology.
Ryan Williams | July 29, 2022
Leading Edge Crypto Trading Simulator launched by The Blockchain Academy
We are so excited to launch Crypto Trading Simulator. The Blockchain Academy was born out of another company, CapitalWave, that provided graduate onboarding for major investment banks and insurance companies.
Ryan Williams | July 29, 2022
2022 Global Blockchain Employment Report
With most people spending less than five years in every job, it’s no wonder they’re looking for promising new career opportunities. Blockchain specialists earn more than individuals in corresponding positions in other industries.
