A brief introduction to Blockchain: for normal people

Crypto-what?

If you tried to immerse yourself in this mysterious thing called blockchain, you would be forgiven for stepping back in horror at the sheer opacity of technical jargon that is often used to frame it. So before we get into what a cryptocurrency is and how blockchain technology can change the world, let’s talk about what blockchain really is.

In simpler terms, a blockchain is a digital transaction log, unlike the ledgers we have been using for hundreds of years to record sales and purchases. The function of this digital ledger is, in fact, virtually identical to that of a traditional ledger, as it records debits and credits between people. This is the basic concept behind the blockchain; the difference is who owns the ledger and who verifies the transactions.

With traditional transactions, one payment from one person to another involves some form of intermediary to facilitate the transaction. Suppose Rob wants to transfer £ 20 to Melanie. You can give him cash in the form of a £ 20 note or you can use some kind of bank application to transfer the money directly to your bank account. In either case, a bank is the intermediary that verifies the transaction: Rob’s funds are checked when he withdraws money from an ATM, or are verified by the application when he makes the digital transfer. The bank decides whether the transaction should continue. The bank also keeps track of all transactions made by Rob, and is solely responsible for updating it whenever Rob pays someone or receives money in his account. In other words, the bank maintains and controls the general ledger, and everything flows through the bank.

That’s a lot of responsibility, so it’s important for Rob to feel that he can trust his bank, otherwise he wouldn’t risk his money with them. He must feel safe that the bank will not scam him, he will not lose his money, he will not be robbed and he will not disappear overnight. This need for confidence has underpinned virtually every major behavior and facet of the monolithic financial industry, to the point that even when it was discovered that banks were being irresponsible with our money during the 2008 financial crisis, the government ( another intermediary) chose to rescue them instead of risking destroying the final fragments of trust by letting them collapse.

Blockchains work differently in one key aspect: they are completely decentralized. There is no central clearing house like a bank, and there is no central ledger held by an entity. Instead, the ledger is distributed across a wide network of computers, called nodes, each of which contains a copy of the entire ledger to its respective hard drives. These nodes connect to each other using software called a peer-to-peer (P2P) client, which synchronizes data across the network of nodes and ensures that everyone has the same version of the ledger at a given time. .

When a new transaction is entered into a blockchain, it is first encrypted with state-of-the-art cryptographic technology. Once encrypted, the transaction becomes something called a block, which is basically the term used for an encrypted group of new transactions. This block is then sent (or broadcast) to the network of computer nodes, where it is verified by the nodes and, once verified, is passed through the network so that the block can be added to the end of the general ledger of everyone’s computer, below the list of all the previous blocks. This is called a chain, so the technology is known as a blockchain.

Once approved and registered in the general ledger, the transaction can be completed. This is how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin work.

Accountability and confidence-building

What advantages does this system have over a bank or central clearing system? Why would Rob use Bitcoin instead of the normal currency?

The answer is trust. As mentioned before, with the banking system it is crucial that Rob relies on his bank to protect his money and manage it properly. To ensure that this happens, there are huge regulatory systems in place to verify the actions of banks and make sure they are fit for purpose. Governments then regulate regulators, creating a kind of step-by-step system of controls whose sole purpose is to help prevent errors and misbehavior. In other words, organizations like the Financial Services Authority exist precisely because banks cannot trust themselves. And banks often make mistakes and misbehave, as we have seen too many times. When you have a single source of authority, power tends to be abused or misused. The relationship of trust between people and banks is awkward and precarious: we don’t really trust them but we don’t think there are many alternatives.

Blockchain systems, on the other hand, do not require you to rely on them at all. All transactions (or blocks) in a blockchain are checked by network nodes before being added to the general ledger, which means that there is no single point of failure or single channel of approval. If a hacker wanted to successfully manipulate the ledger of a blockchain, he would have to hack millions of computers simultaneously, which is almost impossible. A hacker would also be virtually incapable of disabling a blockchain network, since, again, they should be able to shut down all the computers in a network of computers around the world.

The encryption process itself is also a key factor. Blockchains like Bitcoin use deliberately difficult processes for their verification procedure. In the case of Bitcoin, blocks are verified by nodes that perform a series of deliberately intensive calculations in processor and time, often in the form of puzzles or complex mathematical problems, which means that verification is neither instantaneous nor accessible. Nodes that compromise the use of block verification are rewarded with a transaction fee and a recent Bitcoins reward. This has the function of encouraging people to become nodes (because processing blocks like this requires quite powerful computers and a lot of electricity), while managing the process of generating – or minting – currency units. This is called mining, because it involves considerable effort (by a computer, in this case) to produce a new commodity. It also means that transactions are verified in the most independent way possible, more independent than a government-regulated organization like the FSA.

This decentralized, democratic, and highly secure nature of blockchain makes it possible for them to function without the need for regulation (self-regulation), government, or other opaque intermediaries. They work because people don’t trust each other, rather than in spite.

Let the importance of this sink in for a while and the excitement around blockchain starts to make sense.

Smart contracts

Where things get really interesting are blockchain apps beyond cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Since one of the underlying principles of the blockchain system is the secure and independent verification of a transaction, it is easy to imagine other ways in which this type of process can be valuable. Not surprisingly, many of these applications are already in use or under development. Some of the best are:

  • Smart Contracts (Ethereum): Probably the most exciting blockchain development after Bitcoin, smart contracts are blocks that contain code that must be executed for the contract to be fulfilled. The code can be anything, as long as a computer can run it, but in simple terms it means that you can use blockchain technology (with its independent verification, architecture and security without trust) to create a kind of trust system for to any type of transaction. . For example, if you are a web designer, you can create a contract that verifies whether or not a new client’s website is started, and then automatically deliver the funds to you once you do. No more chasing or billing. Smart contracts are also used to prove ownership of an asset such as a property or art. The potential for reducing fraud with this approach is enormous.
  • Cloud Storage (Storj): Cloud computing has revolutionized the web and led to the arrival of Big Data, which in turn has driven the new AI revolution. But most cloud-based systems run on servers stored on single-location, farm-owned server farms (Amazon, Rackspace, Google, etc.). This presents all the same problems as the banking system, as your data is controlled by a single opaque organization that represents a single point of failure. Distributing data in a blockchain completely eliminates the trust issue and also promises to increase reliability, as it is much more difficult to remove a blockchain network.
  • Digital ID (ShoCard): Two of the most important issues of our time are ID theft and data protection. With large centralized services like Facebook containing so much data about us and the efforts of various governments in the developed world to store digital information about their citizens in a central database, the potential for abuse of our personal data is frightening. Blockchain technology offers a potential solution to this by wrapping your key data in an encrypted block that the blockchain network can verify whenever you need to prove your identity. Its applications range from the obvious replacement of passports and ID cards to other areas such as the replacement of passwords. It could be huge.
  • Digital Voting: Highly current as a result of research into Russia’s influence in the recent US election, digital voting has long been suspected of being unreliable and highly vulnerable to manipulation. Blockchain technology provides a way to verify that a voter’s vote has been successfully sent while maintaining anonymity. It promises not only to reduce election fraud, but also to increase voter turnout, as people will be able to vote on their mobile phones.

Blockchain technology is still in its infancy and most applications are far from general use. Even Bitcoin, the most established blockchain platform, is subject to high volatility indicative of its relatively newcomer status. However, the potential of the blockchain to solve some of the major problems we face today makes it an extraordinarily exciting and seductive technology to follow. I’m sure I’ll be careful.

6 Advantages of Investing in Cryptocurrencies

The birth of bitcoin in 2009 opened the door to investment opportunities in a completely new type of asset: cryptocurrency. Many entered space very soon.

Intrigued by the immense potential of these fledgling but promising assets, they bought crypts at cheap prices. As a result, the 2017 bullfight saw them become millionaires / millionaires. Even those who did not bet much got decent profits.

Three years later, cryptocurrencies are still profitable and the market has come to stay. You may already be an investor / trader or you may be looking to try your luck. In either case, it makes sense to know the benefits of investing in cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency has a bright future

According to a report entitled Imagine 2030, published by Deutsche Bank, credit and debit cards will become obsolete. Smartphones and other electronic devices will replace them.

Cryptocurrencies will no longer be seen as marginalized, but as alternatives to existing monetary systems. Its benefits will be recognized, such as security, speed, minimum transaction rates, ease of storage, and relevance in the digital age.

Specific regulatory guidelines will popularize cryptocurrencies and promote their adoption. The report predicts that by 2030 there will be 200 million users of cryptocurrency portfolios and almost 350 million by 2035.

Opportunity to be part of a growing community

#IndiaWantsCrypto by WazirX recently completed campaign for 600 days. It has become a massive movement that supports the adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in India.

In addition, the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning RBI’s ban on cryptocurrency banking since 2018 has instilled a new crisis of confidence among Indian bitcoins and cryptocurrencies investors.

The Edelman Trust 2020 barometer report also points to the growing faith of people in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. According to the findings, 73% of Indians rely on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. 60% say the impact of cryptocurrency / blockchain will be positive.

As a cryptocurrency investor, you are part of a thriving and fast-growing community.

Increased profit potential

Diversification is an essential rule of investing. Especially during these times when most assets have suffered heavy losses due to the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While investment in bitcoin has yielded a 26% return since the beginning of the year to date, gold has returned 16%. Many other cryptocurrencies have a three-digit ROI. The stock markets, as we all know, have undergone unfortunate developments. Crude oil prices fell sharply below 0 in April.

Including bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency in your portfolio would protect the value of your fund in such uncertain global market situations. This fact was also impressed by billionaire macro hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones when he announced plans to invest in Bitcoin a month ago.

The cryptocurrency markets are up and running 24 X 7 X 365

Unlike regular markets, cryptocurrency markets operate all day long, every day of the year without fatigue. This is because digital currency systems are basically designed using cryptographically protected pieces of software code.

The operational plan does not involve human interference. Therefore, you are free to trade crypto or invest in digital assets whenever you want. This is a great benefit! Cryptocurrency markets are very efficient in this way.

For example, Bitcoin has successfully processed transactions with a 99.98% uptime since its inception in 2009.

Tweet: https://twitter.com/fernandoulrich/status/1185368277557620736

No paperwork or paperwork is required

You can invest in bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency anywhere, anytime without any unnecessary terms and conditions.

Unlike conventional investment options, where an absurdly high amount of documentation is required to prove yourself an “accredited investor,” cryptoinvestment is free for all. In fact, this was the goal behind the launch of cryptocurrencies. The democratization of finance / money.

To buy any cryptocurrency WazirX, you must open an account for which you only need to provide some basic information, such as your bank account information. Once verified, in a few hours, you are ready.

Unique property in investment

When you buy bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency, you become the sole owner of that particular digital asset. The transaction takes place in a peer-to-peer agreement.

Unlike bonds, mutual funds, stockbrokers, no third party “manages your investment” for you. Call to buy and sell whenever you want.

User autonomy is the biggest benefit of cryptocurrency systems that offers incredible opportunities to invest and build a corpus in your core capital “independently”.

These were some of the benefits of investing in cryptocurrencies. We hope you find them useful and compelling enough to start your cryptocurrency investment journey.

15 Best Practices to Protect Your Website from Malware and Cyber ​​Hacking

As hackers grow faster, more numerous, and more effective, many companies are struggling to protect their websites from cyber threats. The statistics don’t lie:

• More than 360,000 new malicious files are detected every day

• There were 1,188,728,338 known computer attacks in 2017

• Business damage from cybercrime is expected to reach $ 6 trillion in 2021

• Global spending on cybersecurity is likely to exceed $ 1 trillion between 2017 and 2021

These staggering figures clearly show why organizations should make website security a critical priority. There are various types of cyberattacks and malware. It is critical that all IT departments understand the following risks: viruses and worms, Trojan programs, suspicious packers, malware, adware, malware, ransomware, denial of service, fishing, inter-site scripting (SQL injection), brute force password, and session hijacking. When these cyber-breach attempts are successful (which is often the case), the following can occur:

• Website disfigurement: Unwanted content placed on your website

• Websites are offline (your site is down)

• Data is stolen from websites, databases, financial systems, etc.

• Data is encrypted and stored for rescue (ransomware attack)

• Incorrect server usage – transmits web spam to publish illegal files

• Server abuse: Part of a distributed denial of service attack

• Embedded servers for Bitcoin mining, etc.

While some attacks only pose minor threats, such as a slow website, many attacks have serious repercussions, such as a major theft of sensitive data or an indefinite failure of the website due to ransomware. With that in mind, here are 15 good practices that your IT department should take advantage of to protect your organization from malware and cyber piracy.

1. Keep the software up to date.

It is essential that you keep your operating system, general applications, anti-malware and website security software up to date with the latest patches and definitions. If your website is hosted by a third party, make sure your host has a good reputation and also keeps its software up to date.

2. Protect yourself from cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Hackers can steal users’ credentials and login cookies when they sign up or register by introducing malicious JavaScript into your encryption. Install firewall and JavaScript injection protection on your pages.

3. Protect yourself from SQL attacks.

To protect yourself from hackers injecting malicious code into your site, you should always use parameterized queries and avoid standard Transact SQL.

4. Double data validation.

Protect your subscribers by requiring both browser and server validation. A double validation process will help block the insertion of malicious scripts using form fields that accept data.

5. Do not allow uploading files to your website.

Some companies require users to upload files or images to their server. This poses significant security risks, as hackers can upload malicious content that compromises your website. Remove executable permissions from files and find another way for users to share information and images.

6. Maintain a robust firewall.

Use a sturdy firewall and restrict external access to ports 80 and 443 only.

7. Maintain a separate database server.

Keep separate servers for your data and web servers to better protect your digital assets.

8. Implement a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.

Always buy an SSL certificate that you maintain in a trusted environment. SSL certificates build a trust base by establishing a secure, encrypted connection for your website. This will protect your site from fraudulent servers.

9. Set a password policy.

Implement strict password policies and make sure they are complied with. Educate all users about the importance of strong passwords. In essence, it requires that all passwords meet these standards:

• Length is at least 8 characters

• At least one capital letter, number, and special character

• Do not use words that can be found in the dictionary

• The longer the password, the stronger the security of the website.

10. Use website security tools.

Website security tools are essential for Internet security. There are many options, both free and paid. In addition to software, there are also software as a service (SaaS) models that offer complete website security tools.

11. Create a hacking response plan.

Sometimes security systems are avoided despite the best attempts at protection. If this happens, you will need to implement a response plan that includes audit logs, server backups, and contact information for your IT support staff.

12. Set up a background activity logging system.

To track the entry point for a malware incident, be sure to track and record relevant data, such as login attempts, page updates, coding changes, and updates and installations of connectors.

13. Maintain an error-free backup plan.

Your data should be backed up regularly, depending on how often it is updated. Ideally, daily, weekly, and monthly backups are available. Create a disaster recovery plan that is right for your type and size of business. Make sure you save a backup of your backup locally and off-site (there are many cloud-based solutions available) that will allow you to quickly recover an unaltered version of your data.

14. Train your staff.

It is essential that everyone is trained in the policies and procedures that your company has developed to keep your website and your data safe and to prevent cyberattacks. An employee simply clicks on a malicious file to create a chance of a violation. Make sure everyone understands the answer plan and has a copy that is easily accessible.

15. Make sure your partners and sellers are safe.

Your business can share data and access with many partners and suppliers. This is another potential source of non-compliance. Make sure your partners and providers follow your best practices for web security to help protect your website and your data. This can be done through your own audit process or you can subscribe to software security companies that offer this service.

Even a high-end computer system can be quickly overthrown by malicious software. Do not delay the implementation of the above security strategies. Consider investing in cybersecurity to protect your organization in the event of a serious infringement. Protecting your website from hacking and cyberattacks is an important part of keeping your website secure and your business secure.

Prevention of 3D counterfeiting to ensure the flow of royalty revenue

One of the challenges for writers like me is that when you submit a digital copy of your work, almost anyone can copy and use those words or run them through derivative software and steal it. That’s why DRM or Digital Rights Management software was created. Many have considered that this strategy could also be used for 3D code printing, thus allowing the designer or company that owns this product a copyright guarantee as long as their parts are produced.

Maybe you already see the challenges. In the writing format, anyone can grab a book, scan it, and then scan it and then have it, that is, they can plagiarize it, steal it whole, or modify it just enough to avoid it. the detection of copyright verification software. Okay, what if someone uses a 3D scanner to scan a part or item, scanning it, and once scanned, they just sell the code to others to print it in 3D, they’ve essentially stolen the design. This cannot be avoided and entails all sorts of dilemmas of quality, brand reputation, loss of revenue for the designer or patent holder.

Controlling this challenge is as difficult as controlling counterfeit clothing with a counterfeit label, look at this point. However, many thinkers are now busy working on this problem, let’s talk about one of the possible solutions considered so far, right?

There was an interesting article in Manufacturing News where they talked about the problems with hackers and counterfeit thieves stealing code from 3D printed parts, allowing others to steal these designs of parts without paying royalties. The new concept is to put defects in the code to prevent counterfeiting, this defective code would be removed before printing, but only under a set of specific conditions, counterfeiters would make the piece have defects, but it makes it useless and the user has wasted the material. with a defective part.

Wow, that’s pretty interesting, and maybe a good strategy, but it could also wreak havoc on a scammed customer from a major party. What if the part is an important part, for example, for a car, part of the brake system, what if someone buys that part assuming it’s real, then that part fails and causes the car to crash and the occupants stay seriously injured or even killed? ? It could then be said that the original manufacturer of the piece knew of the defect and sabotaged the hackers of its code, knowing that part could fail.

Who is to blame now? There is probably more than one culprit, the hacker, the manufacturer of the counterfeit product, the seller of the counterfeit merchandise and the original designer and / or manufacturer of the 3D printing code of the product with an intentional and malicious defect in the code. .

Will national defense companies start doing this, and will our adversaries who copy us crash their high-tech fighter jets, missiles, smart ammunition, and helicopters? In turn, they will try to inject malicious code into our 3D parts, have they already started? 3D printers will need to adopt a cryptocurrency strategy to make sure that a piece is authentic before printing to counter hackers: there is a lot at stake, so they will have to do some what about this problem

Suffice it to say; the future of manufacturing is becoming very interesting if you ask me? And, I know you didn’t, but thanks for reading this article anyway.

How cryptocurrency works

Simply put, cryptocurrency is digital money, designed to be secure and anonymous in some cases. It is closely related to the internet that uses cryptography, which is basically a process where readable information becomes code that cannot be decrypted in order to handle all transfers and purchases made.

Cryptography has a history dating back to World War II, when there was a need to communicate more securely. Since then, it has evolved and today it has been digitized where different elements of computer science and mathematical theory are being used to secure online communications, money and information.

The first cryptocurrency

The first cryptocurrency was introduced in 2009 and is still well known around the world. Since then many more cryptocurrencies have been introduced in recent years and today you can find so many available on the internet.

How they work

This type of digital currency makes use of decentralized technology to allow different users to make secure payments and also to store money without necessarily using a name or even going through a financial institution. They run mostly on a blockchain. A blockchain is a public record that is publicly distributed.

Cryptocurrency units are usually created through a process known as mining. This usually involves the use of computer power. Doing so solves mathematical problems that can be very complicated in coin generation. Users can only buy coins from brokers and then store them in cryptocurrencies where they can spend them very easily.

Cryptocurrencies and the application of blockchain technology are still in their infancy when it comes to financial terms. More uses may arise in the future, as it is not possible to say what else will be invented. The future of stock transactions, bonds and other types of financial assets could be traded with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in the future.

Why use cryptocurrency?

One of the main features of these coins is that they are secure and offer a level of anonymity that you may not get anywhere else. There is no way a transaction can be reversed or falsified. This is by far the main reason why you should consider using them.

The fees charged in this type of currency are also quite low and this makes it a very reliable option compared to the conventional currency. Because they are decentralized in nature, anyone can access them, unlike banks where accounts are only opened with authorization.

Cryptocurrency markets offer a new form of cash, and sometimes the rewards can be great. You can make a very small investment only to find that it has become something fantastic in a very short period of time. However, it is still important to keep in mind that the market can also be volatile and that there are risks associated with buying.

The basics of cryptocurrency and how it works

In the times we live in, technology has made an incredible breakthrough compared to any time in the past. This evolution has redefined human life in almost every way. In fact, this evolution is a continuous process, and therefore human life on earth is constantly improving day by day. One of the latest additions to this aspect is cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency is nothing more than a digital currency, which has been designed to impose security and anonymity on online monetary transactions. Use cryptographic encryption to both generate currency and verify transactions. New coins are created through a process called mining, while transactions are recorded in a general ledger, called the Transaction Block Chain.

Small reverse gear

The evolution of cryptocurrency is mainly attributed to the virtual world of the web and involves the procedure of transforming readable information into code, which is almost indispensable. This makes it easier to keep track of purchases and transfers involving currency. Cryptography, since its introduction to World War II to secure communication, has evolved in this digital age, combining it with mathematical theories and computer science. Thus, it is now used to secure not only communication and information, but also money transfers through the virtual web.

How to use cryptocurrency

It is very easy for ordinary people to make use of this digital currency. Just follow the steps below:

  • You need a digital wallet (obviously to store the currency)
  • Use your wallet to create unique public addresses (this allows you to receive currency)
  • Use public addresses to transfer funds in or out of your wallet

Cryptocurrency wallets

A cryptocurrency wallet is nothing more than a software program, capable of storing both private and public keys. In addition to this, it can also interact with different blockchains, so that users can send and receive digital currency and also keep track of their balance.

How digital wallets work

Unlike the conventional wallets we carry in our pocket, digital wallets do not store money. In fact, the concept of blockchain has been so cleverly combined with cryptocurrency that coins are never stored in one particular place. Nor do they exist anywhere in hard cash or fitness. Only the records of your transactions are stored in the blockchain and nothing else.

An example of real life

Suppose a friend sends you a digital currency, for example, in the form of bitcoin. What this friend is doing is transferring ownership of the coins to the address of your wallet. Now that you want to use this money, you have unlocked the fund.

To unlock the fund, you must match the private key in your wallet to the public address to which the coins are assigned. Only when these private and public addresses match will your account be credited and your wallet balance increased. At the same time, the balance of the digital currency issuer will decrease. In digital currency-related transactions, the actual exchange of physical currencies never takes place under any circumstances.

Understand the address of the cryptocurrency

By nature, it is a public address with a single string. This allows a user or owner of a digital wallet to receive cryptocurrency from others. Each public address that is generated has a matching private address. This automatic match demonstrates or establishes ownership of a public address. As a more practical analogy, you can consider a public cryptocurrency address as your email address to which others can send emails. Emails are the currency that people send you.

Understanding the latest version of technology, in the form of cryptocurrency, is not difficult. One needs some interest and spend time on the net to clarify the basics.

How to get started with cryptocurrencies

Investing in the cryptocurrency market space is often complex, especially for traditional investors. This is because investing directly in cryptocurrency requires the use of new technologies, tools and the adoption of some new concepts.

If you decide to immerse yourself in the world of cryptocurrency, you need to have a clear idea of ​​what to do and what to expect.

Whether it’s Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum or any of the 1300 tokens, buying and selling cryptocurrencies requires you to choose an Exchange that deals with the products you want.

Being the most famous decentralized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin leads the cryptocurrency space so dominantly that the terms crypto and bitcoin are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the fact is that there are other cryptocurrencies that can be trusted to make cryptocurrencies.

Litecoin

Litecoin, also known as “Bitcoin Gold Silver”, is an open source decentralized payment network that operates without the involvement of an intermediary.

How does Litecoin vary from Bitcoin? Well, the two are similar in many ways, but the generation of Litecoin blogs is much faster than that of Bitcoin. This makes investors around the world open to accepting Litecoin.

Charlie Lee, a former Google engineer, founded Litecoin in 2011. Although Litecoin does not have Bitcoin anonymity technology, recent reports have shown that Litecoin is preferred over bitcoin because of its persistence. Another factor that favors Litecoin is Bitcoin SegWit technology, which means secure currency trading between currencies without the involvement of the exchange.

Ethereum

Launched in 2015, Ethereum is a decentralized software platform that enables distributed applications and smart contracts to operate without third-party interference. The currency is the ether which is like an accelerator within the ethereum platform. In the leading cryptocurrency space, Ethereum. is the second preferred option after Bitcoin.

Zcash

Zcash drew attention in the latter part of 2016 and focuses on solving the problem of anonymous transactions. To understand the currency, let’s take it as “if bitcoin is like HTTP for money, Zcash is HTTPS”.

Currency offers the option of secure transaction to maintain the transparency, privacy and security of transactions. This means that investors can transfer data in the form of encrypted code.

Dash

Originally known as darkcoin, Dash is a more selective version of bitcoin. It was released in January 2014 by Evan Duffield under the name Xcoin. It is also known as the Decentralized Autonomous Organization or simply DAO. The currency was intended to eradicate all the predominant limitations of Bitcoin. Currently, Bitcoin has gained an important position in the space of cryptocurrencies.

The alternative to virtual currency that promises secure and anonymous transactions over peer-to-peer networks is cryptocurrency. The key to making a lot of money is to make the right investment at the right time. Compared to making money every day, cryptocurrency models work without any intermediary as a decentralized digital mechanism. In this distributed cryptocurrency mechanism, ongoing activity is issued, managed, and endorsed by the community peer network. Cryptocurrency is known for its fast transactions with any other mode, such as digital wallets and other media.

In addition to the above, other major cryptocurrencies include Monero (XMR), Bitcoin Cash (BCH). EOS and Ripple (XRP).

While bitcoin is the one that sets trends and leads the race, other currencies have also made their significant position and are growing every day. Given the trend, the other cryptocurrencies will have a long way to go and could soon give Bitcoin a very difficult time maintaining its position.

If you’ve decided to make a speculative investment in this disruptive technology and want all the current and future recommendations, sign up with “The Top Coins”.

Software development trends in 2018

The technologies you are waiting for may be in vogue now, but the question is will anyone remember it next year? Trends in different technologies are rapidly fading as we see many advances unfolding at breakneck speed.

What trend in 2018 will continue in 2019?

Let’s take a look at some of the current market trends that many offshore software development companies are following



• Blockchain technology

• Artificial intelligence

• Progressive web applications

• Low code development

• Security

Blockchain technology

Due to the Bitcoin revolution, Blockchain gained its popularity in the technology market. Now, most companies and industries are adopting Blockchain technology so fast. The blockchain basically describes a technology that allows the peer-to-peer network of connected devices to store data instead of computers set up in specific locations. This development of blockchain technology provides much faster transactions and authentication without expensive intermediaries.

Many software development companies such as healthcare are looking for applications in administrations, supply chain and medical data to make their process effective and streamlined. The tip for Blockchain technology startups is to look at BlockPass, bitTicket, and ALTR from Blockchain development leaders like IBM, Amazon, and Oracle. These leading companies are introducing Blockchain platforms.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence and machine learning also continue to gain importance in 2018. Some reports show that almost 40% of companies and brands will automate their process next year. By integrating artificial intelligence solutions for the execution of a specific task, these companies will gain a competitive advantage and offer higher quality services to their customers.

Practical applications of artificial intelligence include voice-sensitive home assistant applications, information services, smartphones, and big data applications. Big brands like Google, Facebook and Slack are leaders in the development of artificial intelligence. Google’s recent plan is to base its algorithm on artificial technology in the near future. Artificial intelligence startups to see: Element artificial intelligence and UIPath.

Progressive web applications

PWAs (progressive web applications) are actually websites and web pages, but they look like conformist applications or native applications. This application offers the latest and greatest features of browser technology. Gartner listed Progressive web applications in its software technology trend report. These applications gained strength and are expected to continue in the coming years as well.

To provide the same level of user experience, Google has begun developing browser features that will work like mobile apps. Progressive web applications are less complex in development and also maintain the conventional mobile application which increases its popularity. To provide easy accessibility to a wider customer base, many companies such as healthcare and banking are using progressive web applications.

Low code development

Low-code (LCD) development is surpassing the conventional cascading application development method because the latter is labor-intensive. With the help of low code development in the industry many small and repetitive development tasks are automated and this disappears the team of developers and technical analysts. According to the PC magazine report on low code development, the following are some of the best platforms: Appian, Medix, Google App Maker and Power Apps. The magazine also stated that the main uses of low code development include database applications, microservices applications and omnichannel platforms.

Security

Different headlines report cyberattacks on very large companies, but small and medium-sized businesses and startups recognize the need for software security. A study by the Institute found that 60% of small and medium-sized brands face cyberattacks.

If your business uses the Internet and you have a website, there is a high chance of a cyber attack on your business or brand. Most attacks occurred using automated vulnerable software.

Conclusion

In the years to come, software development will be more exciting than ever. So what’s next? These are the 5 current trends in software development that will take place in 2019 and most likely beyond that. In addition to these technologies, there are many other technological advances that can benefit your business in the near future. If you are running a software development company, these are the key trends that you can’t miss.

What is a cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency (Saxon cryptocurrency) is a virtual currency that is used to exchange goods and services through an electronic transaction system without having to go through any intermediary. The first cryptocurrency to start trading was Bitcoin in 2009, and many more have emerged since then, with other features such as Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin and others.

What is the advantage?

When comparing a cryptocurrency with banknote money, the difference is that:

They are decentralized: they are not controlled by the bank, the government and any financial institution

They are anonymous – your privacy is protected when you make transactions

They are international: the opera of all with them

They are safe: your coins are yours and no one else’s, they are stored in a personal wallet with non-transferable codes that only you know

It has no intermediaries: transactions are made from person to person

Fast transactions: to send money to another country they charge interest and often take days to confirm; with cryptocurrencies just minutes.

Irreversible transactions.

Bitcoins and any other virtual currency can be exchanged for any world currency

It cannot be falsified because they are encrypted with a sophisticated cryptographic system

Unlike currencies, the value of electronic currencies is subject to the oldest rule of the market: supply and demand. “It currently has a value of more than $ 1,000 and, like stocks, that value can go up or down supply and demand.

What is the origin of Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. He decided to launch a new currency

Its peculiarity is that only operations can be performed within the network network.

Bitcoin refers to both the currency and the protocol and the red P2P on which it is based.

So what is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a virtual and intangible currency. That is, you cannot touch any of its forms with coins or banknotes, but you can use it as a means of payment in the same way as these.

In some countries it can be monetized with an electronic debit card page that allows you to exchange money with cryptocurrencies like XAPO. In Argentina, for example, we have more than 200 bitcoin terminals.

Undoubtedly, what makes Bitcoin different from traditional currencies and other virtual means of payment such as Amazon Coins, Action Coins, is decentralization. Bitcoin is not controlled by any government, institution or financial institution, state or private, such as the euro, controlled by the Central Bank or the dollar by the US Federal Reserve.

In Bitcoin, users control the real, indirectly by their transactions, through P2 P exchanges (point to point or point to point). This structure and lack of control makes it impossible for any authority to manipulate its value or cause inflation by producing more. Its production and value is based on the law of supply and demand. Another interesting detail of Bitcoin has a limit of 21 million coins, which will be reached in 2030.

How much is a Bitcoin worth?

As we have noted, the value of Bitcoin is based on supply and demand, and is calculated using an algorithm that measures the number of transactions and transactions with Bitcoin in real time. The price of Bitcoin is currently $ 9,300 (as of March 11, 2018), although this value is not much less stable and Bitcoin is ranked as the most volatile currency in the foreign exchange market.

Cryptocurrency for beginners

In the early days of its launch in 2009, several thousand bitcoins were used to buy a pizza. Since then, the meteoric rise of the cryptocurrency to US $ 65,000 in April 2021, after falling from 70 per cent to about US $ 6,000 in mid-2018, has been on the minds of many people. : cryptocurrency investors, traders or just curious who lost the ship.

How it all started

It should be noted that dissatisfaction with the current financial system has led to the development of digital currency. The development of this cryptocurrency is based on the blockchain technology of Satoshi Nakamoto, a pseudonym apparently used by a developer or group of developers.

Despite many opinions predicting the demise of cryptocurrency, bitcoin’s performance has inspired many other digital currencies, especially in recent years. The success with crowdfunding caused by the fever of the blockchain has also attracted those who scammed the unsuspecting public and this has caught the attention of regulators.

Beyond bitcoin

Bitcoin has inspired the launch of many other digital currencies, there are currently over 1,000 versions of digital coins or tokens. Not everyone is the same and their values ​​vary widely, as does their liquidity.

Coins, altcoins and tokens

At this point it would suffice to say that there are good distinctions between coins, altcoins and tokens. Altcoins or alternative currencies generally describe other than the pioneering bitcoin, although altcoins such as ethereum, litecoin, ripple, dogecoin and dash are considered in the “main” category of coins, i.e. they are traded on more cryptocurrency exchanges.

Coins serve as a currency or store of value, while tokens provide assets or utilities, an example being a blockchain service for supply chain management to validate and track wine products from the winery. to the consumer.

One point to keep in mind is that low-value tokens or currencies offer rising opportunities, but don’t expect similar weather hikes like bitcoin. Simply put, lesser-known tokens can be easy to buy, but they can be difficult to sell.

Before entering a cryptocurrency, start by studying the value proposition and technological considerations, such as the trading strategies described in the white paper that accompanies each initial coin offering or ICO.

For those who are familiar with stocks and shares, it is no different from the initial public offering or IPO. However, IPOs are issued by companies with tangible assets and a business history. Everything is done in a regulated environment. On the other hand, an ICO is based exclusively on an idea proposed in a white paper by a company – still in operation and without assets – that is looking for funds to start up.

Unregulated, so buyers count

“Unable to regulate the unknown” probably sums up the situation with digital currency. Regulators and regulators are still trying to keep up with the ever-evolving cryptocurrencies. The golden rule in cryptographic space is “caveat emptor,” which the buyer should be careful about.

Some countries are keeping an open mind by adopting an exclusionary policy for cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, while keeping an eye on scams. However, there are regulators in other countries who are more concerned about the cons than the benefits of digital money. Regulators are generally aware of the need to strike a balance, and some are looking at existing securities laws to try to control the many flavors of cryptocurrencies worldwide.

Digital wallets: the first step

A wallet is essential to get started in cryptocurrency. Think of e-banking but less of the protection of the law in the case of virtual currency, so security is the first and last thought in the cryptographic space.

The portfolios are digital. There are two types of wallets.

  • Hot wallets that are linked to the Internet that put users at risk of being hacked

  • Cold wallets that are not connected to the Internet and are considered more secure.

Aside from the two main types of wallets, keep in mind that there are only one wallet for one cryptocurrency and one for multi-cryptocurrency. There is also an option to have a multi-sign portfolio, a bit like having a joint account with a bank.

The choice of portfolio depends on the user’s preference, whether it is purely interest in bitcoin or ethereum, as each currency has its own portfolio, or you can use a third-party portfolio that includes security features.

Portfolio notes

The cryptocurrency portfolio has a public and private key with records of personal transactions. The public key includes a reference to the account or address of the cryptocurrency, as opposed to the name required to receive a payment by check.

The public key is available for everyone to see, but transactions are only confirmed after verification and validation based on the relevant consensus mechanism for each cryptocurrency.

The private key can be considered the PIN commonly used in electronic financial transactions. This way, the user should never disclose the private key to anyone and back up this data, which should be stored offline.

It makes sense to have a minimum cryptocurrency in a hot wallet, while the largest amount should be in a cold wallet. Losing your private key is as good as losing your cryptocurrency! The usual precautions for online financial transactions apply, from having strong passwords to being alert to malware and fishing.

Portfolio formats

There are different types of wallets available to suit your individual preferences.

  • Hardware portfolios made by third parties to be acquired. These devices work a bit like a USB device that is considered secure and only connects when required on the Internet.

  • Web-based portfolios that offer, for example, cryptographic exchanges, are considered popular portfolios that put users at risk.

  • Software-based wallets for desktop or mobile computers are mostly available for free and can be provided by coin or third-party issuers.

  • Paper wallets can be printed with relevant cryptocurrency data owned with public and private keys in QR code format. They should be kept in a safe place until needed during the cryptographic transaction and copies should be made in case of accidents such as water damage or printed data that fade over time.

Crypto exchanges and markets

Cryptographic exchanges are trading platforms for those interested in virtual currencies. Other options include websites for direct trading between buyers and sellers, as well as brokers where there is no “market” price but is based on a compromise between the parties to the transaction.

Therefore, there are many cryptographic exchanges located in different countries, but with different standards of security and infrastructure practices. They range from those that allow anonymous registration that require only one email to open an account and start trading. However, there are others that require users to comply with international identity confirmation, known as Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures.

The choice of cryptocurrency depends on the user’s preference, but anonymous users may have limitations on the scope of trading allowed or may be subject to sudden new regulations in the home country of the exchange. Minimum administrative procedures with anonymous registration allow users to start operating quickly as they go through the KYC and AML processes will take longer.

All crypto transactions must be properly processed and validated, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the currencies or tokens being traded and the trading volume. Scalability is known to be an issue with cryptocurrencies, and developers are working on ways to find a solution.

Cryptocurrency exchanges fall into two categories.

  • Fiduciary cryptocurrency These exchanges allow the purchase of fiduciary currency by direct transfers from the bank or credit and debit cards, or by ATMs in some countries.

  • Only cryptocurrency. There are only cryptocurrency exchanges that deal with cryptocurrency, meaning customers already need to own a cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin or ethereum, to “exchange” for other currencies or tokens, depending on the market rate.

Fees are charged for facilitating the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies. Users should do the research to be satisfied with the infrastructure and security measures as well as to determine the rates they feel comfortable with as the different rates charged by the different exchanges.

Don’t expect a common market price for the same cryptocurrency with difference exchanges. It may be worthwhile to spend time researching the best price for the coins and tokens that interest you.

Online financial transactions carry risks, and users should heed warnings such as two-factor authentication or 2-FA, stay up-to-date on the latest security measures, and be aware of fishing scams. A golden rule about phishing is not to click on the links provided, no matter how authentic a message or email is.