Blockchain is a method of recording data - a digital ledger
of transactions, agreements, contracts - anything that needs to be
independently recorded and verified as having happened.
The big difference is that this ledger isn't stored in one
place, it's distributed across several, hundreds or even thousands of computers
around the world. And everyone in the network can have access to an up-to-date
version of the ledger, so it's very transparent.
How it works?
For a simple explanation visit this link : http://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-explained-five-year-old/
A rough idea of what a block chain may look like,
courtesy of Yevgeniy Brikman
Security?
Once updated, the
ledger cannot be altered or tampered with, only added to, and it is updated for
everyone in the network at the same time. The distributed nature of the
blockchain database makes it hard for hackers to manipulate. They need to
access every copy simultaneously to have a successful hack.
The encryption
process is carried out by different computers and if all computers on the node
agree then only the digital signature is added to the block. It is a one way
process, any change will result in a different signature.
Benefits?
-
- Faster and secure payment transactions for users. There is no need for any clearing houses, all transactions happen online digitally and instantly. Banks save on fees paid to clearing houses.
- The same policies can be used in trading of gems and diamonds (blood diamonds) so only non-conflict gems are traded with verified records.
- Keyless Signature Infrastructure to help secure citizen data by government. In India, it can be a boon for the whole Adhaar database and transactions thereof.
I have also read about it but have my doubts.
ReplyDeleteIt may be a secure technology but If a transaction needs to be written or updated or read simultaneously through many interconnected computers with added layers of encrypted security layers then how can it be fast. There has to be a trade off between availability and integrity.