NEWS


IBS Journal December 2017


07


Blockchain bubble may burst as a result of security holes


W


ith the most recent bitcoin breach involving the loss of 119,756 coins worth up to $70m, it is estimated that bitcoin exchanges may have been involved in


up to 60 high-profile hacking incidents since the digital asset class was created in 2009.


In fact, the situation is so bad – when the security reality is examined – that one organisation is predicting that the blockchain bubble may soon burst.


Simon Bain, CEO of BOHH Labs, questions whether blockchain – the technology at the heart of bitcoin – is, in fact, a breakthrough waiting to happen or a huge balloon of marketing hype. This hype is hiding some obvious questions users should be addressing the security of the technology they are adopting.


Bain said: “Blockchain is developing as one of the hottest cybersecurity and information-sharing solutions right now, and the core idea around this technology is a great concept, encouraging organisations to take their security more seriously. In fact, while the word ‘security’ has previously been used by companies as an excuse to avoid specific details, blockchain has piqued the interest of many consumers, with many keen to understand what the technology is and how it can impact how their data is managed.”


With that being said, Bain suggests that it’s too soon to applaud blockchain as the end to all security woes; there are still several areas that need to be addressed. He adds: “While blockchain is a great tool for helping the security of transactions and making sure these are secure, this technology won’t secure the end databases. This is because in practice blockchain focuses on securing the


external world and exchanges, but it does not look at the underlying security of the data. This is where blockchain adoptees need to be diligent.”


“Users put a lot of trust into the fact that these digital currency exchanges based on blockchain have the right security protocols in place, yet time and time again they have been shown that they are breachable and your money could easily be stolen.” What’s more, as there are no regulations or reimbursement structures in place yet, when blockchain and cryptocurrencies experience security issues, the question of ownership comes to the forefront. In fact, there is still a lot that remains unsettled when it comes to regulation statuses, and there are no current rules around offering insurance on digital currencies. The way blockchain based-transactions are set up now, no one will step in to help, and that is too great a risk to have the public exposed to.


As such, Bain encourages organisations to employ a more holistic approach when securing their data by examining the various security solutions available. “While there are both advantages and disadvantages to blockchain, one thing is clear; as an industry, we need to look at all the solutions available – not just lay all of our eggs in one basket – and find ways to secure our information end-to-end and not just settle for the solutions that are hot at the moment.”


German regulator issues warning over ICOs


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ne of of Germany’s top financial regulators has published a warning to investors over initial coin offerings (ICOs).


The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) wrote that investors should be careful about the “numerous risks” involved in participating in token sales. They should even be wary of “losing their investment completely”.


“Due to the lack of legal requirements and transparency rules,


the consumer is left on their own when it comes to verifying the identity, reputability and credit standing of the token provider and understanding and assessing the investment on offer,” BaFin wrote.


“It can also not be guaranteed that personal data will be protected in accordance with German standards.” BaFin is the latest in a long line of watchdogs to issue warnings about ICOs, which are viewed by some as a bubble waiting to burst.


www.ibsintelligence.com


Sonneveld


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