Blockchain applicable to cybersecurity: Not just buzzword bingo

Blockchain has grown in use exponentially over the last few years. People are trying to apply this to virtually anything possible. This phenomena almost appears to be the goose that lays the golden eggs. When the term blockchain is attached to a process, there is the instant attention paid to it. This is prevalent to the extent this is being applied where it may not make the most sense.

This being said, one application which may have a useful place for blockchain may be securing data. One area cybersecurity is directly focused on is data security, including cryptography. Without delving into the minutiae of the blockchain inner workings and processes, this easily could be applied to data.

Each chunk or block of data from the entire data set is packaged and saved with a reference to its prior block, which is secured with a cryptographic algorithm. Once in the chain, it can’t be changed. In addition, the nodes also are involved to ensure the blocks are correct. For an attack to be successful, several facets would need to be cracked, in addition to the attackers taking over 51% of the nodes. This is exceptionally unlikely and not a significant concern. With this in place along with an industry acceptable cryptographic algorithm, there could be a place for blockchain within the data security realm.

About the Author - Charles Parker, II has been working in the info sec field for over a decade, performing pen tests, vulnerability assessments, consulting with small- to medium-sized businesses to mitigate and remediate their issues, and preparing IT and info sec policies and procedures. Mr. Parker’s background includes work in the banking, medical, automotive, and staffing industries.