Category: Guide

  • Elastos Explained – what’s a decentralized internet

    Elastos Explained – what’s a decentralized internet

    Elastos is a third generation technology that leverages blockchain technology in giving internet users complete control over their digital properties. The protection that Elastos provide is beyond cryptocurrencies or private data. It covers other intellectual properties such as books, games, movies, and business ideas.

    Elastos is a new Internet technology that is revolutionizing online security and smart technology. Elastos is built on the concept of removing middleman, monetizing computing power, protecting digital assets and offering incentivised digital properties transactions with enhanced security and speed at an affordable cost.

    How does Elastos work?

    Elastos operates in an isolated environment called a virtual machine that runs on elastos runtime. Its is a lightweight operating system kept in a little box. To penetrate the system, an attacker has to create their own box and connect to the user’s data.

    If hackers manage to breach the security, Elastos does not grant Internet access so the information derived cannot be sent out or uploaded to the third-party websites like YouTube, Facebook or Dropbox.

    Alternatively, the hacker may try to download it to external storage, but elastos requires that the owners of the data grant permission from their end. Therefore unless the owners voluntarily share their digital assets, hackers cannot take possession of it giving owners exclusive protection over the data they secure with elastos.

    In another instance, assuming the hackers try to connect another virtual machine like engineering artificial intelligence (AI) scanner, it can only scan and check the data, but it is not transferable as it is an isolated device. The information cannot be passed on to the outside world.

    In another real-life instance, assuming you have a session with your doctor and he connects to your virtual machine, he can only read your medical report but will not be able to save a copy. It is also imperative to the point that the moment you close your Elastos machine, the information viewed by the doctor will be permanently erased guaranteeing you topmost security.

    The Blockchain Technology Behind Elastos

    Now that we know how Elastos works, it is possible for readers to conclude that Elastos does not need a blockchain technology to function in reality, the blockchain provides the secure ID to access Elastos.
    In a case where a hacker tries to override the user’s security, it is the blockchain that will be responsible for the assurance that the ID is authentic, not tampered with, void of virus and malware, and perfectly matches with the one registered in the block.

    Blockchain provides a layer of trust for all the virtual machines that want to connect to a system.

    Real Life Application of Elastos

    Business and Enterprise

    It helps businesses and enterprises to protect the trade secrets, for instance, Coca-Cola can use it to store their recipe menu which will not be available to anyone without their permission

    Professionals

    To safeguard valuable private data and ensure that only people with permission can access the information stored on it

    Content Creators

    Authors, content creators, movies and game developers can leverage the use of elastos in securing the ownership of their intellectual properties. With that, they can scale up their earnings and prevent illegal distributions of their contents to unauthorized users.

    Also, the content owners can use elastos to create a scarcity of their digital asset thereby increasing its value.

    Developers

    Elastos provides large blockchain applications in a secure environment and keeps contents intact after multiple uses

    Ethereum vs. Elastos

    Ethereum operates on a single main chain structure leading to speed limitation while elastos adopts main chain and side chain structure that speeds up the transaction, payment and smart contract support for several applications and services

    Ethereum experiences network congestion and data redundancy while Elastos is the more secure runtime with the independent operating system, software development kit (SDK) that speed up the operating process and prevent data congestion.

    Ethereum exposes data to risk as it employs a front end decentralized application (DApps) while elastos make use of a safe DApps prevented from accessing the networks thus protecting data from DDos. Also, elastos doesn’t make use of IP addresses which implies that hackers cannot track users’ activities.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Elastos is a disruptive third generation blockchain technology that offers total protection of data and vital confidential information for an individual or a corporate body. The innovative technology will help content owners to maximize the returns on the sale of their digital assets thus making more from their intellectual properties. Elastos is a very beneficial technology that every user of the internet should have in their possession to create a more secure internet environment for all.

  • Monero (XMR) in a Nutshell

    Monero (XMR) in a Nutshell

    Monero is a rather unique member of the cryptocurrency family thanks to its focus on privacy and absence of the traditional open blockchain network like those found on Bitcoin. It is, in a nutshell, a system that makes use of three key technologies — Ring Signature, Stealth Address and Ring CT (Confidential Transaction) — to ensure that the sender, receiver and transaction amount are concealed from view.

    On a traditional blockchain, you can freely click to see who sent any transaction, how much it was, and who the receiver is. For many this was the logical way to do things because an open book meant less suspicion of dubious activities on the network. Going into “stealth mode”, as you can choose to on some platforms, is a sure-fire way to attract raised eyebrows. Monero tried to eliminate this problem by making its transactions 100% private.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Monero

    + Users don’t have to worry about fraudulent chargebacks or multi-day holding periods. What’s more, there are no capital controls which restrict flow for traditional currencies. The user truly is in control.

    + Protection by CryptoNote’s hashing algorithm, “CryptoNight” makes it more resistant to ASICs (but not 100% ASIC-proof). The thinking is that it would be so costly to produce an ASIC for Monero that the benefits couldn’t possibly be worth it.

    + For better or worse, privacy is more attractive to more users. Privacy has always been a hallmark of any online industry’s success. Online shopping, for instance, was never going to be a reality unless people had ways to conceal their purchase histories and keep things private.

    Monero focuses on privacy

    – On February 19th 2017, the CryptoNote currencies, including Monero, were subject to a bug that allowed for stealthy creation of an unlimited number of coins, untraceable unless the viewer, too, knew about the flaw and what to look for. Fortunately, after scanning their system, Monero found it had never been exploited using this flaw, and by February 21st the problem was patched. To be fair to Monero, they have been open and disclosed full details of the error and all measures taken to rectify it.

    – The privacy element means there are view or no wallets available for full viewing, and so it’s impossible to know about past transactions and what’s really going on in the network. It may be a pro for existing users, but for newcomers it can be a little unsettling.

    It’s clear that one of the biggest pulls of Monero is the ability to remain anonymous without the same suspicion being leveled at you on other platforms where “stealth” is optional (and only used for dodgy transactions, people think). But, after the open-ledger and dominance of more “typical” cryptocurrencies, Monero represents a radical, even revolutionary approach that has a potent allure.

    RandomX CPU mining

    RandomX is a new cryptocurrency mining algorithm designed improve the distribution of mined cryptocurrencies more evenly to a broader base of users. The idea is that everyone with a computer has a CPU, and hence an algorithm that favors the CPU will be more inclusive. Random is is designed to only function on CPUs, with strong resistance to both GPU and ASIC mining. This is achieved by making use of functions only available on modern day CPUs, such as virtualization. RandomX has already been audited and is currently deployed on Epic Cash and will be deployed on Monero.

    Monero – How does it work?

    So how does it work? Each piece of aforementioned tech is used to protect a different element of the transaction.

    The sender is protected by the “Ring Signature,” which attaches multiple names to each transaction, forming a ring around the true sender and obscuring their true identity.

    The receiver is protected by the “Stealth Address,” which sends transactions to a single-use address that will flag up as non-existent should anyone try to look into who the transaction was going to.

    The amount of each transaction is concealed by the “Ring CT,” which only shows each exchange as being more than zero and valid — that’s it!

    Summary of how Monero works

    The conscious crypto user who wants to be anonymous for innocent reasons, but doesn’t want to arouse suspicion, will find the perfect partner in Monero. Privacy is a right, and Monero is one of the platforms offering it openly and genuinely. Not everyone agrees. Some people see universal anonymity as limiting, as it makes it impossible for new users to look into past transactions and determine if everything is kosher. There are even additional tools like their “Kovri” tool which masks IP addresses. To the experienced observer of the Bitcoin ledger, this secrecy can be rather off-putting.

  • Komodo in a Nutshell

    Komodo in a Nutshell

    Komodo ICO (KMD)

    The Komodo ICO ran from Oct-Nov 2016. At the time they raised a total of 2636.37BTC. Komodo is a Zcash fork and so it will have all the same privacy features. However, they are not part of Zcash (ZEC). Their work is built on top of the open-source Zcash project.

    What is Komodo

    The zerocash protocol allows a higher standard of privacy and anonymity to transactions. It makes it  possible to send money online without disclosing receiver and sender information, while at the same time allowing for verification of the transaction’s authenticity. This utilizes a technology called zk-SNARKS.

    Komodo is also developing something called delayed proof of work or dPoW. Komodo has two levels of mining and two separate proofs of work (PoW). Only Komodo has to attach itself to the Bitcoin blockchain. Because of this, third party blockchains can use Komodo as an additional security layer. The Komodo blockchain will have the 64 notary nodes. The notary nodes, apart from finding blocks and recording transactions on the Komodo blockchain, take the confirmed blocks on the Komodo blockchain and notarize or engrave them on to the bitcoin blockchain.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBTMjFotWS8

    Other Applications

    Apart from the features listed above, Komodo is also being developed as part of a broader project called SuperNET. SuperNet aims include:

    1. assetchains that allow anyone to create their own asset with its own blockchain
    2. multiwallet where those assets can be stored, including many coins like Bitcoin and Komodo
    3. atomic swaps, so that people can trade their coins from the multiwallet without counterparty risks
    4. pegged assets – which are a form of price-stable assets created on the assetchains – these assets solve the problem of price volatility by attaching themselves to the value of stable currencies like EUR or USD.

     

    Resources:

    Whitepaper https://komodoplatform.com/whitepaper/

    https://steemit.com/komodo/@komodoplatform/a-guide-to-better-understand-komodo

     

  • OmiseGo (OMG) in a nutshell

    OmiseGo (OMG) in a nutshell

    (Updated on 31-08-2017)

    OmiseGO is a token proposed by Omise that allows real time, direct transfers across multiple fiat currencies and digital currencies. Omise go is an existing payment management platform mainly focused on Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Japan. With this new project, they plan to take this one step further and integrate their services with blockchain technology.

    What it Offers

    1. Ethereum based financial technology
    2. Ease of use – no bank account needed
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        One of the standout features of Pacific Spins is its welcoming bonus package, which provides new players with generous rewards upon signing up. Additionally, the casino prioritizes player safety and security, utilizing advanced encryption technology to protect personal and financial information. Customer support is readily available through various channels, ensuring that players can get assistance whenever needed.

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    3. Affordability – low transaction fees
      • Using traditional remittance methods make it difficult for a lot of their target market to send money home. The fees will take up a large percentage of the total amount. OmiseGo can offer almost instant transfers at low cost.
    4. Allows easy transfer between fiat currencies and also digital currencies

    What it Means

    Ultimately, OmiseGo should make it easier for foreign workers to send money home to their families. It also has the additional benefit of extra security through decentralized currencies. Millions of users in fast growing economies will be given the opportunity to go from fiat currencies to digital currencies.

    **Update**

    OmiseGo has announced their collaboration with McDonald’s Thailand. Founder, Jun Hasegawa, confirmed the news on his Twitter. Following the news, OMG has seen a slight rise of over 4% today.