One of the many goals when cryptocurrency (CC) was first invented was to create a secure digital transaction system. The technology used was Blockchain and it still is. Blockchain systems are designed to be impenetrable to problems common to online financial systems that use older technologies – problems such as account hacking, fake payment verification and phishing scams on websites.
The blockchain itself operates on global record keeping networks (distributed registers) that are secure, inexpensive, and reliable. Records of transactions around the world are stored in blockchain networks, and because these records are distributed throughout the user community, the data is inherently resistant to modification. No part of the data can be changed without changing all the other blocks in the network, which would require a secret agreement of the majority of the entire network – millions of observers. BUT – what if a website looks like it gives you access to a legitimate cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency exchange product, but is it really a website designed to trick you into revealing information? You don’t have the security of Blockchain at all – you just have another phishing scam and you need to be protected from all this.
MetaCert is a company that says it is committed to protecting Internet users, and its core security product can be used to protect businesses from a number of malicious threats, and now they have a product designed to keep CC enthusiasts safe. This new product is called “Cryptonite” and is designed to be installed as a browser add-on. Current browsers rely on SSL certificates, which show users a small padlock in the browser’s address bar. Users have been told for years that SSL certificates assure you that a website is authentic – not so fast – phishing sites also use SSL certificates, so users may be misled into thinking that a website is legitimate when it is not. be added to your web browser, Cryptonite will display a shield next to the address bar. This shield will change from black to green if a website is considered “safe”. MetaCert says it has the world’s most advanced threat intelligence system with the world’s largest databases with classified security URLs.
Staying safe is always a good thing, but more safety products may be needed in the future as technology advances at an ever-increasing pace. Quantum calculations (QC) are on the horizon, which are very promising. QC is touted by many as one of the greatest technological revolutions of the modern era. Using the power of quantum mechanics, quality control machines will be able to take on much more complex tasks and achieve speeds that were previously unattainable. Traditional computers are based on a binary model, using a system of switches that can be turned on or off, represented by 1 or 0. QCs are different in that their switches can be in both on and off positions. which are called “superpositions”. This ability to be in two simultaneous states is what makes QC so much faster. Google announced more than two years ago that the quantum prototype they own is 100 million times faster than any other computer in their lab. The development of this technology is advancing at an ever faster pace. The first quantum computer launched was manufactured in 2011 by California-based D-Wave. The D-Wave machine was equipped with a processor that contained 16 quantum units called QUBITS. Since then, industry leaders such as IBM and Microsoft have announced their own quantum programs. This trend will lead to an exponential increase in the number of QUBITS that these new machines can handle over the next few years. Although quantum computing has the potential to make significant progress in many areas and to provide innovative solutions to some of the most complex problems, it will certainly create the need for improved security, as these machines will also have the power to help hackers with their vile deeds. Security and safety will always be needed in the cryptocurrency space, as in all other online spaces.
Stay on the line!