Keren Iyolo extar credit 172

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Nov 24, 2024

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Keren Iyolo CIS 172 Professor Timothy Baron 12/11/2023 Improving Network Security: A Dive into Blockchain Technology Blockchain technology has received considerable attention in recent years, not only in the field of cryptocurrencies, but also in various other areas, including network security. In a nutshell, blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. It works on the principles of transparency, immutability and decentralization, which makes it an attractive solution for strengthening network security. How Blockchain Works: At its core, a blockchain consists of a chain of blocks, each containing a list of transactions. These blocks are linked together via cryptographic hashes, ensuring data integrity. Decentralization is a key feature of blockchain, as the ledger is managed by a network of nodes and a consensus mechanism is used to validate transactions. Once a block is added to the chain, it becomes extremely difficult to modify previous blocks due to cryptographic connections, thus creating a tamper-proof record. Improving network security with blockchain: Blockchain technology can improve network security in several ways: Decentralized security:
Traditional network security relies on centralized authorities to manage and authenticate users. Blockchain decentralizes these processes, eliminating single points of failure and reducing the risk of unauthorized access. This is particularly useful for preventing data breaches and unauthorized changes. Immutable audit trails: The immutability of blockchain ensures that once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be changed. This feature is invaluable for creating tamper-proof audit trails for network activities. By maintaining a transparent and unalterable record of events, organizations can quickly detect and respond to security incidents. Smart contracts for access control: Smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written directly in the code, can be used to automate and enforce access control policies. This ensures that only authorized entities have access to specific network resources, reducing the risk of insider threats. Identity management: Blockchain facilitates robust and secure identity management. Each network participant can have a unique cryptographic identity and access permissions can be managed via the blockchain. This minimizes the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access. In the context of our classroom discussions about network security, blockchain aligns with concepts such as: Access control and authentication:
The decentralized nature of blockchain and cryptographic authentication contributes to more secure access control mechanisms. It ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can interact with the network. Data integrity: Blockchain immutability directly addresses the issue of data integrity. In a network security context, maintaining the integrity of logs and transactions is essential to detect and respond to security incidents. Risk management: By providing a temper-proof and transparent ledger, blockchain facilitates risk management by providing a solid foundation for auditing and compliance. Organizations can proactively manage and mitigate risks with a more secure and accountable network infrastructure. In conclusion, blockchain technology offers a decentralized, transparent, and tamper- resistant framework that can significantly enhance network security. Its application in access control, audit trails, identity management, and risk mitigation aligns with key concepts discussed in our network security class. As organizations continue to explore innovative solutions, integrating blockchain into their security strategies can provide a robust defense against evolving cyber threats. Sources: Narayanan, A., Bonneau, J., Felten, E., Miller, A., & Goldfeder, S. (2016). Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction. Princeton University Press. Swan, M. (2015). Blockchain: blueprint for a new economy. O'Reilly Media.
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Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain revolution: how the technology behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is changing the world. Penguin.