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Since it was introduced back in 2009, blockchain technology has served as an underpinning for thousands of different cryptocurrencies, and robust blockchain security has also transformed the way we perceive data and transaction integrity.
Blockchain is at the heart of crypto security for Bitcoin, as well as non-Bitcoin currencies, known as altcoins, but there have also been many other blockchain applications, spanning from finance to supply chain management. As the technology becomes more widely accepted and increasingly integral to our digital infrastructure, understanding blockchain and enhancing its security is more crucial than ever.
Our comprehensive blockchain security guide will cover the principles and mechanisms behind blockchain security, how it works, blockchain use cases, the challenges it faces, and the strategies used to strengthen it against constantly evolving threats.
Blockchain security refers to the measures and technologies used to protect the integrity and functionality of blockchain networks. At its core, blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers.
The transactions cannot be altered retroactively. This decentralization, along with cryptographic hashing, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts, forms the backbone of blockchain’s security. Learn more about it in this video:
Cryptographic blockchain hash ensures that each block is mathematically linked to the previous block, creating a secure chain of blocks. Altering a single block would require recalculating every subsequent block’s hash, using a vast amount of computational power that renders the attempt nearly impossible.
Consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) further secure the network and by requiring participants to agree on the validity of transactions before they are added to the blockchain, preventing fraudulent activities.
Smart contracts automate transactions and enforce agreements, operating under strict conditions that are transparent and immutable once deployed on the blockchain. This automation reduces the risk of fraud and errors, and contributes to blockchain security.
However, despite all these security features and mechanisms, blockchain technology is not completely immune to threats. Vulnerabilities can arise from software bugs, smart contract loopholes, and various types of attacks, such as the Sybil attack, where one user creates many fake identities to gain a disproportionate influence over a network.
| 💡 Did You Know: | A concept similar to a blockchain was first described in 1991 by Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, long before Bitcoin was conceived. They aimed to create a system where document timestamps could not be tampered with. |
There are several different types of blockchain, which means that security varies significantly across their networks, due to their underlying architecture, consensus mechanisms, and access permissions. These variations determine how each blockchain defends against attacks and manages data integrity and privacy.
Public blockchains like those of Bitcoin and Ethereum are open and decentralized, allowing anyone to join and participate in the network. Security in these blockchains is primarily achieved through cryptographic techniques and Proof of Work or Proof of Stake consensus mechanisms
PoW requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems, making it computationally expensive to attack the network. PoS, on the other hand, secures the network by requiring validators to hold and sometimes lock up a certain amount of cryptocurrency over a period of time. Learn the ins and outs of PoW consensus in our video on crypto mining:
The decentralized nature of public blockchains allows for transparency and immutability, but it also makes it vulnerable to 51% attacks, where an attacker gains majority control of the network’s hashing power.
Private blockchains operate under the control of a single organization or consortium. As their name indicates, they are not open to the public, and potential participants require permission to join. In this case, security is managed through access controls and participants’ trustworthiness.
The risk of external attacks is lower due to restricted participant access, but these blockchains can still be susceptible to security threats which are the result of insider threats and the centralization of control.
Consortium blockchains are a hybrid model where multiple organizations control the blockchain network. They combine elements of both public and private blockchains. Security is maintained through a consensus process among a pre-selected set of nodes. This setup offers a balance, reducing the risk of centralized control while still providing control over who can participate in the network.
Hybrid blockchains blend features of both public and private blockchains, allowing private, permissioned transactions as well as public, permissionless transactions. Security measures in this type of blockchain are tailored to the specific needs of the network, often requiring complex governance models to manage the different layers of access and control.
To sum it up, blockchain security is deeply influenced by its structure and governance model. Each type has its specific security considerations, from the decentralized and energy-intensive security of public blockchains to the controlled access of private and consortium blockchains.
Even though blockchain technology is pretty resilient to most security threats, there are several types of attacks that can compromise the safety of blockchain, especially those with a smaller number of nodes. The most common risks include:
Addressing these attacks requires a multi-layered security approach, including regular updates, user education, and the development of new cryptographic standards to protect against emerging threats.
| ⚠️ Note: | The immutability of blockchain poses a challenge to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)’s “right to be forgotten.” Balancing blockchain’s transparency with privacy rights is an ongoing legal and technical challenge. |
In this part of our guide, we will address additional blockchain security questions and provide concise answers.
As of 2024, there are over 1,000 distinct blockchains in existence, with just about as many blockchain applications, ranging from cryptocurrencies, financial transactions, and smart contracts to supply chain management, identity verification, and more.
The exact number of blockchains is hard to pin down due to the constant emergence of new blockchains and the termination of others.
Yes, blockchain technology is very safe, thanks to the utilization of cryptographic encryption, and consensus mechanisms to protect blockchain data integrity and prevent unauthorized access. Also, its distributed ledger system ensures that altering transaction data is computationally impractical.
However, it’s not without vulnerabilities. Issues like 51% attacks and smart contract flaws can still pose security risks. Despite this, blockchain security features make it a robust platform for secure digital transactions, record-keeping and other blockchain applications, with continuous improvements being made to address its vulnerabilities.
A block of data on a blockchain gets “locked” or finalized through a process involving cryptographic hashing and consensus mechanisms. Each block contains a unique hash of its own data plus the hash of the previous block, creating a secure link.
Once a block is filled with transactions, network participants (miners or validators, depending on the consensus mechanism), validate and confirm the transactions. Upon reaching a consensus, the block is added to the chain, and its hash ensures that any attempt to alter the block’s data would invalidate the entire chain.
While the transaction ledger is public, users’ identities are protected through the use of cryptographic techniques. Each user has a pair of keys: a public key, which is visible on the blockchain and acts as a digital address for transactions, and a private key, which remains confidential and is used to sign transactions securely.
The public key is derived from the private key, making it virtually impossible to reverse-engineer the private key from the public key. This means that even though transaction flows can be observed on the blockchain, the real-world identities of users remain unknown.
If someone attempted to change the blockchain ledger, the altered block’s hash would no longer match the subsequent block’s reference to it, breaking the chain’s integrity. Since each block is cryptographically linked to its predecessor, any modification would require recalculating every subsequent block’s hash.
This would be a computationally impractical task, especially on large, decentralized networks like Bitcoin. Other participants in the network, using consensus mechanisms, would quickly identify and reject the tampered block, preserving the ledger’s original state.
It’s evident that while blockchain presents a robust framework for securing digital transactions and data, it faces ongoing challenges and vulnerabilities. Blockchain security, spanning from public to hybrid models, hinges on continuous vigilance and adaptation to counteract threats.
Its future lies in advancing cryptographic defenses, refining smart contract audits, and cultivating a security-aware culture within the blockchain community. The collective effort to enhance blockchain security protocols and learn about blockchain best practices is crucial for its evolution.
Making sense of cryptocurrency, for beginners, in particular, can be a challenge. Not only are there so many cryptocurrencies out there, but understanding them also requires an understanding of the ideas, concepts, and infrastructure that runs them.
With that in mind, we have put together this crypto for beginners guide in which we’ll cover all the cryptocurrency basics, such as:
We’ll begin by explaining what cryptocurrency is using terms that are to understand, and finish with the top crypto to invest in 2024. So, let’s get on with our crypto 101 guide, shall we?
Cryptocurrency is a digital form of currency that uses cryptography for security, making it difficult to counterfeit. Built on blockchain technology, it operates independently of a central authority, enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions across the internet.
The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which was introduced in 2009, along with blockchain. Since then, thousands of cryptocurrencies have been introduced, each with unique features and applications, and some have even improved on Bitcoin and its functionalities.
Thanks to its decentralized nature, cryptocurrencies can offer transparency and efficiency, reducing the need for traditional financial intermediaries. Despite being more volatile than physical currency, cryptocurrency has gained popularity for its potential to revolutionize financial transactions.
For more information on how cryptocurrencies work, make sure to check our video on the topic:
Cryptocurrency origins are traced to an individual or a group of people who go by the name of Satoshi Nakamoto, who created Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, in 2009. The true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains a mystery to this day.
The idea behind Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies was to create decentralized peer-to-peer electronic cash system that was secure, anonymous, and free from central authority control, like banks or governments.
Bitcoin introduced the first decentralized ledger technology, the blockchain, setting the foundation for thousands of subsequent cryptocurrencies. Over the years, cryptocurrencies have evolved from a novelty to a new asset class, sparking interest from investors, developers, and even governments.
The next in our cryptocurrency for beginners guide is to learn how cryptos work.
| 💡 Did You Know: | On May 22, 2010, a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made the first real-world transaction by buying two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. At the time, the transaction was worth about $41. This day is now celebrated as Bitcoin Pizza Day. |
Cryptocurrency operates on a technology called blockchain, a decentralized and distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This technology ensures transparency, security, and date integrity without the need for a central governing institution.
This is what makes cryptocurrencies fundamentally different from traditional fiat currencies. How does it all work? Well, when a user initiates a cryptocurrency transaction, they send a digital currency unit to another user’s digital wallet.
This transaction is then verified by network participants, known as miners (in Proof of Work systems) or validators (in Proof of Stake systems), who use their computing power to solve complex cryptographic puzzles and validate the transaction.
After successful validation, the transaction is added to a block of other transactions, creating a new link in the blockchain. This process ensures that each transaction is immutable and cannot be altered or deleted, providing a secure and transparent transaction history.
Cryptocurrencies have evolved significantly since the inception of Bitcoin, branching out into different types that serve different purposes and utilize distinct technologies. Although we can categorize cryptocurrencies based on a number of factors, there are three main types of crypto:
Keeping in line with our cryptocurrency for beginners mantra, we’ll dissect each using simple terms.
Bitcoin is significant not just because it’s the first and most popular cryptocurrency, but also because it introduced the concept of a decentralized digital currency and the underlying blockchain technology. Bitcoin was designed as an alternative to traditional currencies.
Its creation sparked the development of the broader cryptocurrency movement and the introduction of coins and tokens which are used for many other purposes, as opposed ot being a means of payment.
Bitcoin remains the most recognized and valued cryptocurrency, and its influence on the crypto market is massive. For example, the much anticipated Bitcoin halving of 2024, which is set to occur on April 19, will impact not only the price of Bitcoin but also all other cryptocurrencies.
More on that in this video:
Altcoins, or alternative coins, are simply all other coins that aren’t Bitcoin. To explain this type of cryptocurrency for beginners, it’s probably best to start by describing some of the best-known altcoins and their features and uses:
Each altcoin has distinct features and uses. Ethereum’s platform for dApps and smart contracts has made it an essential cryptocurrency in the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Litecoin offers faster transaction confirmation times than Bitcoin, and Ripple’s XRP enables efficient cross-border transactions.
Now that we have altcoins explained, let’s move onto tokens.
Before we get into tokens, it’s important to make a distinction between coins and tokens as part of our cryptocurrency for beginners approach. Even though these two terms are often used interchangeably, they represent two fundamentally different concepts.
Key differences:
Because we now understand the difference between coins and tokens, we can learn more about the different types of tokens:
Because tokens don’t have their own blockchains but rather function on existing ones, they are created through a process known as an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) or a token generation event, where developers create a smart contract on a platform like Ethereum.
As is the case with revolutionary technologies, cryptocurrencies have their share of advantages and disadvantages. While it would take a long time to list all the pros and cons of crypto, we will focus on the most important ones for the purpose of this cryptocurrency for beginners guide.
| ⚠️ Note: | Around 20% of all Bitcoins are lost or inaccessible due to forgotten passwords, hard drive failures, or other issues. With Bitcoin’s capped supply, these lost coins reduce the total circulation. |
Cryptocurrencies beg a lot of question, which we have aimed to answer it this section of our cryptocurrency for beginners guide.
Investing in cryptocurrency involves a few key steps:
Making money with cryptocurrency can be achieved through various approches, each with its own level of risk and potential reward:
If mining is your method of voice, take a look at this explainer video on Bitcoin halving and its impact on mining:
This goes way beyond cryptocurrency for beginners and is reserved for advanced users and developers. This are some of the steps you should take:
You’ll also need to learn how to create a cryptocurrency by understanding the basics of smart contract programming, particularly if you choose a platform like Ethereum. This typically requiring knowledge of Solidity, the programming language used for Ethereum smart contracts.
After developing your coin or token, focus on security audits to ensure your code is safe from vulnerabilities. Finally, consider the legal and regulatory aspects of launching a cryptocurrency, and prepare a launch strategy that includes marketing and community building to gain user adoption.
Here is a list of the best crypto to buy right now, based on price, volatility, potential for growth and investor interest:
The world of cryptocurrency is extremely diverse and fascinating, and as such, it can be a bit overwhelming. Our cryptocurrency for beginners guide was designed to make your first steps into the world of crypto a lot easier.
Whether you are a novice looking to learn about cryptocurrencies, an expert, someone into top crypto to buy now, or even someone who is planning to create their own coin or token, you will find plenty of actionable and useful information.
Before investing in crypto, make sure to do your research and cover all the aspects of the cryptocurrency you are looking to invest in. Also, consider the impact of events such as Bitcoin halving which is expected to take place on April 19, 2024. For more info on that, check out this video on the subject:
And always keep in mind to do your own research on the cryptocurrency of your choice before making an investment. Good luck!
Identifying the best crypto casinos goes beyond the allure of hefty bonuses or an extensive game catalogue. It’s about pinpointing platforms that provide user security and rapid transaction capabilities and present a diverse gaming spectrum, including crypto casino games and Bitcoin live casino options. Our top picks will make your choice of platform much simpler.
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Discover the best crypto casino destinations of 2024. Our comprehensive guide not only guides you through the essentials of setting up your crypto wallet for casino play but also helps you optimize your winnings withdrawal process, all while ensuring a smooth and secure online casino experience.
In today’s digital era, crypto casinos are spearheading the online gambling revolution. Offering advantages such as enhanced anonymity, minimal transaction fees, and expedited processing times, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum emerge as formidable contenders against conventional online payment methodologies.
Whether your gaming preference lies in the adrenaline-pumping slots, strategic blackjack tables, or placing bets on your favored sports events, crypto casinos deliver a secure and efficient platform to indulge in your gambling pursuits.
Our custom methodology zeroes in on the nuances of leveraging crypto within online casinos. We analyze aspects such as the speed of crypto transactions, the immutability of digital wallet exchanges, and the casino’s capability of managing deposits and withdrawals easily.
Our ratings encapsulate the casinos’ synergy with crypto technologies’ advanced attributes, ensuring your cryptocurrency gambling venture is nothing short of exceptional, with special attention to crypto casino bonus codes and the best Bitcoin and Ethereum casino bonus offers.
Select a Crypto Wallet: Begin by choosing a digital wallet that will serve as your Bitcoin or Ethereum repository, essential for engaging with the best crypto casino sites.
Acquire Crypto: You can acquire cryptocurrency either through a cryptocurrency exchange or via a transaction with another user, preparing you for a seamless deposit process at Bitcoin casino sites.
Transfer to Your Wallet: Safely transfer your acquired coins to your chosen digital wallet, setting the stage for your online casino adventures, including enjoying Bitcoin casino free spins and exploring crypto casino games.
Depositing at an online casino with cryptos, especially at a crypto online casino, is a breeze. Simply opt for crypto as your preferred payment method, specify your deposit amount, and execute the transfer to the casino’s designated wallet address. The immediacy of transactions means you can dive into your gaming experience without delay, taking advantage of the best Bitcoin casino bonus offers.
Withdrawing funds from a Bitcoin casino is a streamlined process highlighting cryptocurrency transactions’ efficiency and speed. Unlike traditional withdrawal methods, which can be slow and often come with high fees, Crypto offers a swift and cost-effective alternative for players looking to access their winnings. Here’s a more step-by-step look into the withdrawal process using Bitcoin and altcoins, ensuring you can easily convert your virtual gains into real-world assets at top crypto casinos.
All things, considered, it enables casino players to deposit and withdraw funds in a convenient way.
Bitcoin and Ethereum casino sites employ state-of-the-art encryption and blockchain technology to safeguard your transactions. This decentralized framework significantly diminishes the likelihood of unauthorized access to your funds, ensuring a secure gambling environment.
The advent of mobile-compatible Bitcoin crypto casino places means your gaming adventures are no longer tethered to a desktop. Whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, these platforms offer a seamless mobile gaming experience, ensuring your favorite games are accessible anytime, anywhere. This is perfect for mobile Ethereum or Bitcoin casino enthusiasts.
By following these guidelines, engaging with crypto casino games and utilizing cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals becomes an efficient and straightforward process, combining the benefits of quick access, reduced transaction fees, and enhanced security, making your experience at crypto casino sites both enjoyable and secure.
Bitcoin casinos have carved out a niche by offering a gaming experience that combines traditional excitement with the innovative features of cryptocurrency. The allure of playing live casino games with Bitcoin or altcoins lies not just in the familiar rules and gameplay but also in the added layer of transparency and fairness provided by provably fair algorithms. These algorithms empower players to verify the integrity of each game outcome, ensuring a level of trust and security seldom found in traditional online casinos.
Slots and table games are a staple in the casino world, and crypto casinos bring a fresh twist to this classic favorite. Players can explore a wide array of slots themed around various concepts, including those inspired by the cryptocurrency itself. The flexibility of Bitcoin and altcoins allows for more versatile betting limits, and the potential jackpots are often linked to Bitcoin’s volatile market value, adding an extra layer of excitement to every spin. This makes crypto slots a thrilling option for those seeking the best crypto casino sites.
Roulette enthusiasts will find themselves at home in casino’s offering unique variants like multifire and lightning roulette. These games allow bets to be placed directly in BTC, enhancing the traditional roulette experience with the efficiency and speed of cryptocurrency transactions, making it a favourite among crypto games.
For poker players, crypto casinos provide a comprehensive selection of games, from video poker to classic variants like Pai Gow and Caribbean Stud. These platforms cater to both novices and seasoned players, offering a seamless gambling experience enhanced by the convenience of using Bitcoin and altcoins, highlighting the appeal of crypto poker in the realm of crypto casino games.
Blackjack, a game beloved for its blend of skill and chance, is available in numerous variants at crypto casinos. Players can enjoy the traditional game or explore new twists on the classic, all while benefiting from the quick transaction speeds that Bitcoin enables, making it a staple among casino games.
Baccarat, known for its simplicity and elegance, is made even more accessible in crypto casinos. The use of crypto eliminates the usual payout delays, allowing players to concentrate on their strategies and enjoy their winnings with unprecedented speed, adding to the diverse portfolio of games.
In conclusion, they offer a rich portfolio of games, each enhanced by the unique advantages of cryptocurrency. From the diverse selection of slots to the strategic depths of table games, these platforms provide a gaming experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new. The implementation of provably fair technology and the exclusive bonuses tailored to crypto users, such as crypto casino free spins and the best crypto casino bonus offers, further set these online casino games apart, making them a preferred choice for modern gamblers.
Renowned for their lavish bonuses and promotions, Ethereum and Bitcoin casinos go above and beyond to enhance your gaming experience. Keep an eye out for enticing welcome packages, welcome bonus, free spins, and exclusive crypto promotions that not only elevate your gaming experience but also significantly bolster your winning potential, making them some of the best crypto casino sites for bonuses and promotions.
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Absolutely, a significant number of crypto casinos operate under stringent licensing and regulatory frameworks, ensuring a secure and equitable gaming environment for all players.
Indeed, certain casinos offer unique gaming experiences that are exclusively accessible with crypto, enriching the gaming landscape with innovative options.
The requirement for personal information varies across casinos. However, crypto casinos often offer enhanced privacy, sometimes necessitating minimal personal details.
No, Bitcoin casinos allow you to bypass traditional financial instruments, enabling direct account funding with Bitcoin.
While not commonplace, some Bitcoin casinos offer no-deposit bonuses or other promotions that effectively provide free Bitcoins to kickstart your gaming journey.
Depending on the specific casino, some may offer a web-based interface, while others might require software download for a tailored gaming experience.
Crypto casinos epitomize the evolution of online gambling, blending unmatched security, convenience, and transaction speed. Armed with our guide, you can select the best Bitcoin casino tailored to your gaming preferences. Venture into the realm of Bitcoin gambling today and witness the future of online gaming unfold before your eyes.
Exploring beyond Bitcoin unveils a plethora of cryptocurrencies that mirror its benefits for online gambling. Delve into our comprehensive guides on alternatives like Ethereum, Litecoin, and more, to discover the perfect cryptocurrency for your casino escapades.
Blockchain is one of the most exciting and disruptive technologies to emerge in the last decade. It is changing not only the way we perceive money and currency but also the internet itself. The only trouble is that most people have no idea what it is, let alone how it works, which is why we have decided to put together this blockchain for dummies guide.
Truth be told, most explanations on blockchain are incredibly convoluted and complicated, so we’ll explain how blockchain works in simple terms and avoid using jargon as much as possible.
You will learn:
So, let’s begin.
Before we get into what blockchain actually is, we need to understand why it came to be in the first place.
The invention of blockchain is credited to a person or a group of people going by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, who introduced a white paper on a decentralized peer-to-peer electronic cash system in 2008.
The growing distrust toward failing banks, financial institutions, and the centralized banking system inspired Sakamoto to come up with a system that would be the opposite of that: decentralized, transparent, and secure. Since then, the blockchain market size has been growing constantly.
To start off with our blockchain for dummies explanation, let’s imagine a digital ledger, which is essentially a notebook used to capture all financial transactions, such as loans given to friends. What makes this notebook different is that it’s shared and open for access to a lot of people simultaneously. Also, once something is written in the ledger, it can’t be erased or changed.
Each page of recorded transactions is like a block, and once it is filled out, it is added to previously completed pages, creating a chain that everyone can access, verify, and, most importantly, trust. Hence the term “blockchain.”
This eliminates the need for any central authority, such as banks, because blockchain security is guaranteed by everyone who has access to the ledger and records transactions on it. And that’s pretty much the explanation of blockchain. Also, check out our video that explains the basics of blockchain in just 5 minutes:
Let’s break down the blockchain into its basic elements and explain how they work together:
No blockchain for dummies is complete without this explanation. Blockchain and cryptocurrencies are inextricably connected: blockchain is the technology that provides the infrastructure for all of them. Here is how it works:
As part of our blockchain for dummies guide, we will also look into four main types of blockchain:
They are completely open, allowing anybody to join and verify transactions, and read and write to the blockchain. They use either a Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake consensus mechanism. We will explain both mechanisms in this article. The most well-known examples of public blockchains are Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Public blockchain is suitable for a number of uses, including cryptocurrency transactions, decentralized applications (dApps), or just about any application that can benefit from an immutable digital ledger.
These implement permissions and centralization to a certain degree, unlike the public ones, which are totally open. In this case, a group or an organization has control over the network and decides who can join in and in what role.
The advantages are faster transactions and a higher level of privacy when compared to other types of blockchains. However, these benefits come at the expense of decentralization, to put it in the blockchain for dummies terms.
Thanks to the way they operate, they are perfect for uses where a certain degree of privacy is required, such as supply chain management and resource planning within companies and organizations or internal voting systems.
These are semi-decentralized and run by a group of organizations rather than a single group or entity. Certain rights, such as the right to read the blockchain, may be available to the public or restricted to blockchain participants.
They embody some of the best characteristics of both public and private blockchains. They have a high level of trust that private ones have, but also the blockchain safety and decentralization of public blockchains.
Their application ranges from banking and keeping records between different organizations to research projects that implement shared control across multiple different organizations.
They represent a middle ground between public and private blockchains, as they blend elements of both. They borrow mechanisms like controlled access and permissions from the private ones, but also have a public, transparent aspect where it is beneficial.
Organizations, for example, can communicate using the wider public blockchain and rely on hybrid blockchain to limit or allow who sees what information.
Hybrid blockchain applications are pretty diverse, ranging from real estate transactions and voting systems, to supply chain management, as well as any application that requires both privacy and transparency.
The blockchain system uses a number of consensus mechanisms in order to function. The two most prominent consensus mechanism types that are mentioned in nearly all blockchain for dummies guides are:
| ⚠️ Note: | Bitcoin blockchain uses a Proof of Work consensus mechanism. |
Need more answers about blockchain? Check out this section of the blockchain for dummies guide.
These cryptographic functions are a crucial element of blockchain, because they ensure that all the data on the blockchain is immutable. Because the data immutable, any alteration to it changes the hash , which is a clear sign of tampering. Also, changing one block invalidates the following ones, and tampering with them all would require significant computing power.
These functions also serve as a way of verifying transactions while keeping the data private and are essential for the Proof of Work consensus. Simply put, they are the foundation of blockchain safety.
Yes, blockchain is safe, thanks to its robust security features and the way it is built. Because it is decentralized, no single person or entity can control the entire blockchain, which makes tampering or attacks extremely difficult.
In addition to decentralization, blockchain is also secure thanks to cryptographic hashing and various consensus mechanisms. The entire system is simultaneously transparent and private, and the data is immutable and safe.
Blockchain technology comes with a wide spectrum of benefits when it comes to data security and transaction verification. In addition to transparency, data immutability, and security, blockchain offers speed and efficiency thanks to peer-to-peer transactions without any intermediaries.
Also, blockchain enables the tracing of every single transaction that took place on it, which is ideal for asset authentication and fraud prevention.
Blockchain is a groundbreaking technology, but it does have a few limitations that prevent it from being adopted more widely:
Blockchain has come a long way from its inception as a response to the financial crisis, and it’s only begun to scratch the surface. Apart from providing the underpinnings for all the cryptos out there, blockchain also has the potential for application across various sectors and industries beyond finance.
We hope that this blockchain for dummies guide has helped you learn about blockchain and all of its specifics. One thing is for sure: blockchain is definitely here to stay. Not only that, but it looks like it’s set to change multiple aspects of our digital lives, including the way we interact with the internet, thanks to Web3 technology.
There are several different ways in which you can make a profit with cryptocurrencies. You can invest in crypto or mine it, but arguably, the most convenient way is staking. Unlike crypto mining, staking crypto is much less energy-intensive, requires lower upfront investment, and is more “green” and accessible.
In this guide, we will explain the staking crypto meaning and also consider:
Here is everything that you need to know about staking.
Staking crypto involves locking or “vesting” some of your tokens or coins in a designated staking wallet in order to support blockchain operation and security and receive rewards in return. Just like crypto mining, staking is also a method for validating and verifying transactions on the blockchains.
But, whereas crypto miners solve complex mathematical equations, crypto stakers simply place a certain amount of their assets in the staking wallets in order to support the network. This method requires much less computing power, consumes less energy, and is more friendly toward the environment.
Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus mechanism in which participants stake some of their cryptocurrency in order to validate transactions and create new blocks in the blockchain. PoS represents an alternative to the Proof of Work mechanism. Since validators stake their own cryptocurrency, they benefit from acting in the best interest of the proof-of-stake blockchain and keeping it secure.
Staking crypto helps ensure that only legitimate data and transactions are added to a blockchain. Participants trying to earn a chance to validate new transactions offer to lock up sums of cryptocurrency in staking as a form of insurance.
Validators are selected based on several criteria, including the size of their stake, as well as how long they have been staking their coins. They can also be chosen at random. This keeps the system fair and prevents it from being dominated by a single validator.
To start generating yield with your staked crypto, perform the following steps:
Staking crypto can be done in numerous different ways, depending on the mechanism, level of participant involvement in the validation, or rewards. Generally speaking, we can distinguish between two different categories:
However, there are many other types of staking crypto in existence, the chief among which are:
Before staking crypto, it is a good idea to consider several factors which might influence your decision, including:
Depending on the network, you may be required to stake a minimum amount, which can be significant. One way of getting around this, as we have previously explained, is through pool staking. Basically, you pool your assets with others in order to get past the minimum staking amount. However, not every platform allows pool staking.
With staking, your assets are locked for a period of time, which prevents you from selling or using them. Make sure that the lock-up period is in line with your needs. Ultimately, you may want to consider liquid staking, which provides you with representative tokens that you can sell or use.
When staking crypto, you will need to research factors such as annual percentage yield (APY), which can change based on a number of parameters, including the number of assets you have staked. You should also look into the frequency of staking reward distributions, and learn about crypto as much as you can in general.
You may need to fulfill requirements in terms of skills, hardware, internet connection, and online availability if you are interested in running a validator node. If you don’t meet those requirements, delegated staking might be a better option for you.
Depending on where you are in the world, you may face strict regulations regarding staking and the taxation of rewards. Also, keep in mind that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is especially harsh on staking crypto, as they feel that cryptocurrency exchanges don’t explain the extent of potential risks to customers.
Recommending the best staking platforms is complex, because it depends on a lot of factors, including the assets you want to stake, your investment goals and needs, and even your own personal preferences. Also, platform reliability and reputation, ease of use, and the variety oo staking options also play a huge role.
With that in mind, here is the list of platforms you’ll want to check out:
In this section, you will find answers to the most common questions about staking crypto.
Staking cryptocurrency comes with a variety of benefits:
Some of the risks of staking your assets include:
Yes, staking is relatively safe, especially in comparison to other types of crypto activities. But it does come with its own share of considerations, so in order to make it as safe as possible, take into account the following considerations:
Staking cryptocurrency can be a worthwhile investment, provided that you do your research, conduct your due diligence, and understand all the risks. It also depends on what your staking goals are, as well as the specificity of each cryptocurrency. If your goals are to earn passive income, contribute to blockchain security, and improve energy efficiency, then yes, staking is worth it.
It depends on your definition of ‘best”, as well as factors like the Annual Percentage Yield (APY), cryptocurrency stability, blockchain security, as well as ease through you can earn your staking rewards. Some of the best options are:
Both staking and yield farming are methods for earning rewards, but they use different mechanisms and cater to different levels of risk and engagement in the crypto ecosystem. the key differences include:
Staking your crypto is an appealing option if you are looking to collect rewards over a longer period of time without having to worry about short-term price fluctuations. However, staking, like all investments in the cryptocurrency world, is risky and comes with its own share of pros and cons. Because your crypto assets are locked for a period of time, staking is not suitable for you if you are looking to access your funds quickly.
If you decide that staking fits your investment goals, make sure to choose secure platforms with a good track record and be wary of interest rates that appear too good to be true. Doing your research and educating yourself on the topic is the only way you can set yourself up for success.
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for crypto investors! We’ve assembled a list of top 10 crypto contenders for this year, featuring both established and emerging cryptocurrencies.
Our criteria for selecting the best crypto to invest in include market capitalization, trade volumes, real-world adoption, and the strong support of vibrant communities. Just to be clear, this analysis is for educational purposes only, not for financial advice. That being said, let’s get started!
We’re starting off with the best of the best. Introduced in 2009 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin revolutionized the concept of digital currency. At the start of 2024, it’s number one on the list of the top cryptocurrencies in 2024, boasting a market capitalization of $830 billion by the end of 2023. This figure signifies its dominant position in the market.
A single Bitcoin is now worth more than $40,000, representing a significant increase from 2023 when it was worth more than $20,000, and it’s early days, when it was worth only a fraction of a dollar.
The Bitcoin halving in April could potentially heat things up, pushing its value even higher as the supply becomes more scarce. This possibility adds to Bitcoin’s impressive growth, demonstrating its power and adaptability in the face of various challenges, including concerns about the energy consumption of the proof-of-work mechanism.
Despite these challenges, Bitcoin has maintained its status as a secure and reliable form of digital currency, continually attracting interest from both individual and institutional investors.
Next on our list and a front-runner in blockchain innovations is Ethereum, which stands out with its market cap of over $270 billion. Renowned for enabling decentralized applications and smart contracts, Ethereum’s shift to a proof-of-stake model in 2023 was a significant move towards greater energy efficiency and network security.
This transition has not only enhanced its appeal among environmentally conscious investors but also consolidated its liquidity and market stability. As of early January 2024, the price of Ethereum is around $2,2k, indicating a remarkable growth trajectory since its inception.
Ethereum’s community includes investors, developers, entrepreneurs, and creatives who have continuously explored and expanded the platform’s capabilities since 2013, from DeFi projects to being the foundation of thriving NFT marketplaces.
In 2024, Ethereum’s developers are focusing on major upgrades, like the Dencun upgrade, aimed at making transactions smoother and more wallet-friendly. The community is also excited about transitioning from the old Goerli testnet to a new one and implementing danksharding to enhance network speed and efficiency.
Ripple’s XRP is reshaping the landscape of international finance with its unique approach to cross-border transactions. Since the beginning of 2024, it has achieved over $30 billion in market capitalization, and that attests to its expanding power in the financial industry. Speed and cost-effectiveness are its hallmarks, making transfers less of a headache.
XRP’s value has risen to approximately $0.6, marking a significant climb from its earlier prices.
What really amps up the appeal of XRP is its role in cryptocurrency adoption. Ripple’s community, composed of both tech enthusiasts and financial experts, plays a crucial role in advocating for XRP’s broader use, particularly in streamlining international money transfers.
Security has always been at the forefront of Ripple’s network, and as Ripple continues to navigate and potentially resolve its legal battles with the SEC, increased investor interest and a possible uptick in price are on the horizon, further cementing its position in the financial sector.
With its fast transaction speed and cutting-edge technology, Solana is changing the way we think about investing in digital assets. As of the beginning of 2024, it stands with a market capitalization of over $40 billion. What’s really eye-catching is its price tag—from a modest ICO price of $0.22 to hovering around $100, SOL’s journey demonstrates its enormous potential.
Thanks to the support of a community that’s equally enthusiastic about technology and building a more inclusive financial system, Solana has managed to establish itself in the decentralized finance space.
In 2024, Solana made significant strides in enhancing its network, notably overcoming the outages that plagued it until early 2023, thanks to advanced technological upgrades. The introduction of the Solang compiler marks a significant leap forward for developers, particularly those accustomed to Ethereum’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, Solana’s venture into hardware with the launch of its own Android phone, Saga, signifies its commitment not just to speed but to broader innovation. The Solana ecosystem is witnessing exponential growth, with DeFi protocols and gaming projects thriving and notable partnerships with major players like Visa and Shopify.
With a forward-thinking approach to blockchain tech, Cardano has carved a niche with its focus on eco-friendly and scalable solutions, reflected in its market cap of over $20 billion by the end of 2023. ADA’s ascent to over $0.50 shows the platform’s commitment to sustainable and efficient blockchain operations.
The essence of Cardano is in its crypto community support. It’s a platform where innovation meets a dedicated user base, all rallying around the idea of a more equitable and sustainable digital future.
Looking ahead to 2024, Cardano is introducing several innovative features. Key among them is Hydra, a layer-two solution designed to significantly enhance transaction speed by handling operations off the main chain.
Additionally, Cardano is developing Mythrill to streamline wallet syncing and introducing a new concept, Input Endorsers, to accelerate transaction confirmation. Moreover, Cardano is venturing into privacy enhancements and revamping its governance model to foster a more democratic and inclusive platform.
Dogecoin defies the typical crypto narrative with its journey from a playful meme to hitting a market cap of $10 billion in 2023 and a price of around $0.08 per DOGE, according to CoinMarketCap data. This trajectory also showcases the power of community in the digital currency investment process.
Dogecoin’s rise is a blend of humor and unexpected utility, resonating with a broad audience who value both its light-hearted origin and growing practicality in digital transactions. That’s just one of the reasons it’s on our top 10 cryptocurrencies list.
Behind its meme facade lies a surprisingly robust cryptocurrency introduced in 2013, notable for its active trading and growing adoption in various real-world scenarios.
Heading into 2024, Dogecoin is garnering attention not just as a meme coin but as a rising star in the crypto market. Experts are keeping a close eye on Dogecoin, noting its potential for technological improvements and growing merchant adoption. With technical analyses indicating a positive trend and an ever-engaged community, Dogecoin is anticipated to make significant strides this year.
Chainlink is a key player in connecting blockchain smart contracts with real-world data, as evidenced by its market cap of over $8 billion at the start of 2024 and a token price hovering around $14. This unique role has propelled Chainlink to the forefront of the blockchain discourse.
More than just a token, Chainlink increases cryptocurrency liquidity while building trust and reliability. Its security protocols ensure that the external data feeding into smart contracts is accurate and secure, fostering a strong community of supporters.
In a bold move, Chainlink is venturing into transforming physical assets like artwork or real estate into digital tokens, a step that has piqued the interest of both technology enthusiasts and investors. This innovation is about revolutionizing how we perceive ownership and trade of assets in the digital world. For 2024, Chainlink’s ambition definitely extends beyond mere participation in the blockchain ecosystem.
Since its launch in 2020, Avalanche has managed to distinguish itself from other coins, boasting a crypto market capitalization of above $10 billion in the past months and an AVAX price fluctuating between $35 and $48 driven by its high-speed and scalable blockchain transactions.
What sets Avalanche apart is its ability to handle a vast array of decentralized applications, thanks to its unique multi-chain architecture, which offers unparalleled processing capacity and speed. The growing adoption of Avalanche across diverse sectors, coupled with its loud community, signals a shift towards more versatile and user-friendly blockchain solutions.
Entering 2024, Avalanche is embarking on ambitious plans, not merely refining but radically transforming its system to potentially outshine major competitors like Ethereum. Key initiatives include reducing transaction times to mere fractions of a second, achieving unprecedented speed.
Moreover, Avalanche is focusing on simplifying its code, expanding network capacity, and elevating the user experience to new heights. With initiatives like HyperVM and an array of tools designed for developers, Avalanche’s vision for 2024 is nothing short of a technological revolution.
Polkadot has made a mark in blockchain technology by hitting a market capitalization of $10 billion in January 2024 and a value of over $7 per DOT. Its unique proposition lies in enabling interoperability between diverse blockchains, setting a new standard in the blockchain ecosystem.
However, its complex architecture poses a challenge to user accessibility and wider market adoption. Its community’s involvement in crafting new applications is key to Polkadot’s progress.
For 2024, Polkadot is enhancing its network with asynchronous support and technical improvements for smoother and faster operations. A notable development is the early-year launch of Snowbridge, a bridge to Ethereum, symbolizing a significant connectivity breakthrough between these blockchain “countries.” Still, ensuring that these innovations are secure and reliable will be a constant challenge for the platform to maintain its position in the blockchain setting.
Helium has again reached a market cap of $1 billion in December 2023 after its drop. Its price decreased from over $40 and is now going above $5 per HNT. Its fresh approach to creating a low-cost, decentralized wireless network represents a new direction in blockchain applications. The challenge for Helium lies in scaling this model while keeping its affordability and simplicity. Maintaining this crypto network‘s expansion and stability requires a broad understanding of its unique network proposition.
With an eye toward 2024, Helium is poised to further revolutionize the wireless domain. The potential advancements could include extending their network to cover more devices, possibly integrating deeper into smart city infrastructures, and improving network security. Helium may also introduce new features to simplify device connectivity and form strategic partnerships to expand the reach of the Internet of Things.
Therefore, Helium’s vision for 2024 seems to be focused on pushing the boundaries of connectivity, aiming to create a comprehensive network that could interlink our world in unprecedented ways.
The crypto world is brimming with opportunities, and for investors, this year is all about identifying potential in this diverse industry. While exploring the opportunities listed above, it’s crucial to also look into the best crypto exchanges for more insights. This overview is just the beginning; your strategic, informed decisions in this dynamic market are what truly counts.
Celine Veloso is the General Manager of Draper Startup House Manila with a mission to connect, inspire, and empower entrepreneurs. As a Web3 community builder, Celine through Draper hosts a monthly in-person event called Bitcoin, Beer, and Bitstories and an art and tech residency program called DSH Artist Collective.
The emerging tech field is a dynamic and rapidly changing area of expertise. As a leader in this contemporary and increasingly impactful industry, the AIBC Summit has hosted the very best, most intriguing, seminal key figures, who generously afforded the international Event their veritable wealth of knowledge. From sensational keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, here are the top moments from speakers at all of our astounding AIBC Summits so far.
Professor Scott Stornetta is most certainly one of the key authorities in Blockchain. His work with Stuart Harber to develop the early Blockchain was seminal to say the least. Pursuing blockchain as a digital hierarchy system including digital time stamps created an integral solution against the manipulation of digital records.
One of the blockchains founding fathers, Stornetta detailed “The Long View” in his speech at the 2018 edition of the AIBC Summit. He began with what he described as “the Ancient Problem” of the concept of a contract. Explaining that they required the same components as what is still required today, witness and a record.
Speaking about the former currency of indentured contracts as a derivative of his concept. The idea of having peer-to-peer contracts without a central authority, that were interestingly torn across a jagged edge in order to provide later proof when they were fitted adjacent to each other.
I asked myself: how will we create a tear of only the bits themselves? How will we create an immutable record?
He goes on to express his aim which was to create an immutable record, digitally, to be able to split information and data into several parts in a decentralised manner, allowing only the parties involved access. His talk took an intriguing twist towards the end as Stornetta managed to build a crude blockchain with the participation of the audience.
The 2023 AIBC Eurasia summit keynote speaker did not disappoint. Gary Vee is one of the most famous serial entrepreneurs in the world, eclipsing his abilities as a business professional only with his mastery of public speaking. Widely sought after for his wealth of inspirational knowledge on a variety of integrated, innovative topics, he brought a special air to the main stage of the Summit.
Speaking about the incredible opportunity of under-priced attention in today’s professional climate. Stressing to the sizeable audience, the importance of being able to effectively garner the attention of a business or brand’s audience and consistently communicate their message effectively. How gaining a high impression rate while of great importance, means very little if you cannot personally and deeply engage with your audience.
The power has now shifted from building a community to creating engaging content that can be consumed and affect those who consume it without necessarily requiring an invested infrastructure of people behind it.
Nobody here is going to accomplish their goals unless they are able to communicate their message and get someone to do something
https://youtu.be/p5GHF7Scubc
Sometimes a conversation is more than the sum of its parts, or even the messages put across. In the case of a conversation with converse opinions, more can be learnt from the disagreement rather than a streamlined version of thoughts.
This could not have been more true of the discussion between two outstanding Crypto experts and proponents, in Tone Vays and Roger Ver.
The 2019 instalment of the AIBC Summit saw some extraordinary scenes as they argued and disagreed over several aspects related to trading either traditional Bitcoin or Bitcoin cash. The transaction fees were the first bone of contention, heating up so wildly that the audience witnessed a transaction being carried out live on stage only fuelling the debate.
Reaching such a temperature that Tone Vays even pondered out loud as to what they do indeed agree on, related to the topic. Issues about centralisation, transaction sizes both in terms of value and digital space, among many more. Despite the vast range of derivative topics discussed, a resolution did not seem to develop, aside from a quiet air of rapport.
However, that didn’t make this showdown any less valuable, as understanding how they speak to each other as experts in the Crypto space and highlighting the topics of importance within their field gave audience members a great insight. What to look out for when dealing in Crypto currencies and the problems that you will face when doing so and the alternative methods with which to deal with them.
Bringing a sprawl of knowledge from her varied multitudinal portfolio accumulated in her entrepreneurial endeavours, Dr. Sara Al Madani took to the 2023 AIBC Eurasia Summit stage to give her keynote on Dubai and the UAE’s digital re-invention and diversification of their economy.
She explained that due to the UAE’s previous lack of economic diversification, stemming from its heavy reliance on the extraction and distribution of oil, the government was put in a tighter position than most, forced to make great leaps and bounds to maintain and sustain the current infrastructure that exists.
Highlighting the complete depletion of the UAE’s oil reserves and the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, as catalysts for accelerating the government’s shift towards a digital economy. Aiming to provide economic sustainability and improve citizen satisfaction.
She concluded by echoing the encouragement shown by the UAE government to embrace the digitalisation of the economic sector.
The companies willing to embrace technology and transformation will be the ones resilient to crisis. Those who take the risk will thrive and survive – they will learn from their failures as they go.
In this wonderful fireside chat, H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta, interviewed Goodwill Ambassador, H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani.
They spoke with great rapport about sustainable blockchain development and the impact of emerging technologies. In particular the role these play in protecting children and their education in emerging nations, as well as supporting and developing all the infrastructures that allow women to be empowered and involved.
Emphasising the importance of blockchain and crypto in raising funds and having them transparently distributed to the causes that they believe will make the biggest differences to humanity as a whole, specifically in nations where the funding is not abundant.
They also advocated for the participation of women in the emerging technology space. Describing how as of yet the emerging tech space is dominated by male influence and urged a shift in this trend and encouraged a change in attitude within the sector.
We need to involve more and more women in this technology and future digitalisation
A truly innovative and ingenuitively seasoned presence in the computer science and robotics field. Noel Sharkey has been a key figure in both the development and responsible regulation of emerging technologies.
In his well balanced speech he would in no small part go out of his way to explain his advocacy and excitement around AI, but nonetheless attempted to evoke some ethical considerations relating to the relationship between humans and AI.
Beginning with the fascinating link between the not so recent concept of anthropomorphism and how this idea has brought around the thought process linked to the innovation of AI. How this concept was first applied to animals before psychologists and inventors wanted a shift away, towards more objective means.
He went on to explain the issues with anthropomorphising an object or machines such as an AI that is displaying machine learning. Detailing the use of what he described as “Trojan terms”, words or phrases that denote concepts and ideas that are far beyond the truth, such as guilt or cognition.
The issue with this is that you cause confusion, a sort of crossed wires as it were, that people will begin to be deceived. Emotionally attaching people to a machine that is not aware or appreciative of emotions or anything else related to the human experience.
Perhaps this is not the problem AI or AI designers have but maybe indicative of an evolution users of AI will have to undergo.
John McAfee brought his intriguingly unique style and captivating presentation skills to the AIBC Europe stage to much avail, as he deconstructed ideas such as economic freedom and how the blockchain can unlock such wonders.
The dream of economic freedom is a powerful dream and we still have that dream
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A serial entrepreneur and two-time presidential candidate, McAfee brought his unique take to explain the hindrances and the as yet, untold benefits of Crypto currencies. The illogical nature of government regulation on a decentralised system and attempts there have been to centralise Crypto, ie Crypto exchanges.
Why would you ask permission from an untrustworthy entity to permit you to use a trustless permissionless system?
He would go on to explain how Crypto by its very nature is not something that can be regulated. It is not enforceable and therefore the protection that regulation is attempting to afford people while using the Cryptocurrencies is impossible to implement, and people will use them in any which way they please. He feels the people trading in Crypto will catch on to this fairly quickly.
McAfee believed that there should not be and will not be any regulatory control over Crypto, that control from above and across Crypto currencies will be severed and those who use it will all be free and equal.
Another sensationally seminal speech at the AIBC Europe Summit in 2021 saw Crypto-entrepreneur and CEO of Safemoon, John Karony take to the stage to share lessons learned and industry leading insights.
Lessons such as the power of creating a community to share your message and narrative with. He equated this power as a great way of selling a product and building a brand. Leading on from this he would then begin to discuss his project Safemoon and its astronomically rapid growth.
A blockchain innovation company that received great rapport right out of the gate. Karony explained that respecting your potential clients is vital in ensuring a project “makes it safely to the moon”. This is ensured by instilling discipline throughout your time and within yourself, approaching your interdisciplinary tasks with the thought of quality over convenience.
He then went on to describe the length and breadth Safemoon is attempting to scale both in terms of effecting how economic developments occur but also having a hand in making far more projects viable and prosperous, all throughout Africa.
https://youtu.be/NS4ARHcmBfA
Join us for our AIBC Americas Summit in São Paulo, Brazil this June. Brazil and South America in general is a phenom of a relatively untapped hub, with untold potential that is making great strides towards many emerging technologies.
At this sensational event hosted by SiGMA in collaboration with BiS Summit, find key insights from seminal speakers, a magnificent wealth of industry leading knowledge, and insights from some of the sector’s greatest innovators along with a plethora of premium networking opportunities. 14 – 18 June, 2023.
You could also join us as east meets west when the AIBC Asia Summit graces the beautifully humid shores of the Philippine capital Manila. Bringing a tantalisingly fresh flavour with all the key tenets promised at a SiGMA event. 19 – 22 July, 2023.
To join the ranks of our sensational speakers or our insightful industry leading panellists please register your interest by getting in touch with Emily Demajo.
Antoine Kanaan founded and runs the Lebanon Law Review in 2020, an academic research institution meant to enlighten, reform, and inspire the Lebanon Legal Community.
The Law Reveals has since grown to over 90 members, and has partnered up with renowned international legal actors like LexisNexis and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
The Law Review has organized international legal conferences with attendance in excess of the hundreds, and has initiated media projects with expert local partners.
Antoine’s writings have been translated into multiple languages and published in newspapers across the Middle East and Europe, most notably, the National News, where his writings revolve around the politics of Bitcoin.
He has given workshops in the Lebanese American University, The University of St. Joseph, and the Notre Dame University of Lebanon.
HAQQ was borne of Antoine’s activities in the Lebanon Law Review as an international platform that digitizes access to legal services.
Launched in June 2022, it currently operates in over 30 countries, has driven value to its users in excess of 8 digits, and is advised by an experienced and international board.
Ripul Mahajan is a seasoned veteran in the world of crypto. With his early entry into the industry in 2017, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has made him a sought-after keynote speaker at some of the most prestigious blockchain conferences around the world. His speaking engagements include the Bitcoin & Blockchain Conference in Moscow and Gitex Dubai, among others.
Over the years, Ripul has leveraged his expertise to help hundreds of blockchain projects market themselves and achieve success. His extensive experience spans across multiple industries, including fintech and real estate, and his clients range from startups to established businesses.
Now, Ripul is focused on building a web3 media platform that will empower the next generation of blockchain entrepreneurs and investors. With his extensive knowledge and experience, there’s no doubt that Ripul will continue to be a driving force in the world of crypto for years to come.
Gordon Einstein is a hybrid Crypto-Attorney, Technologist, and Enterprise Strategist. Gordon received his undergraduate degree in Politics in 1991 from Brandeis University in Boston and then received his JD in 1995 from the USC Gould School of Law in Los Angeles.
Initially, Gordon’s law practice centered on startup, venture capital, investment banking, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and general business law. As an avid computer and programming hobbyist, in 2012 Gordon was intrigued by Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and the related technologies. By 2014, he was providing legal services to several individuals and companies operating in this space. And by 2016 the majority of Gordon’s law practice involved working with crypto, blockchain, and FinTech startups and funds. This was formalized as CryptoLaw Partners in 2017.
Gordon frequently speaks and educates both in the United States and abroad, quite often in Ukraine. Some common themes are issues and developments relating to cryptocurrency, the legal aspects of FinTech, structuring blockchain startups, ICOs, and AML/KYC compliance.
Gordon Einstein is a Dubai based technologist, Crypto-Attorney, and Blockchain educator, passionate about the world of cryptocurrencies and The DAO (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations). Since 2016, he runs his own crypto-based law practice at CryptoLaw Partners working with crypto, blockchain, and FinTech startups around the world. His mission is to help stakeholders with the creation of decentralized protocols to suit the legalities of the broader market.
“At CryptoLaw Partners we are passionate about blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. We believe that these developments can if applied judiciously, propel human civilization forward. Our mission is to enable this revolution through law.”
Since January 2021 he has been working at DEVxDAO as a founding voting partner. The DEVXDAO supports open source and transparent scientific research for emerging technologies.
Gordon frequently speaks and educates both in the United States and abroad, quite often in Ukraine, on cryptocurrency, security, the interaction of law and FinTech, structuring blockchain startups and token transactions, AML and KYC compliance, and other topics.
DAOs & Blockchain: What is the Potential of Ownerless Business? Irina Heaver joins Gordon Einstein for an exclusive interview in the beautiful backdrop of Dubai to get insight into what attracted him to the blockchain and crypto sphere and to discuss the excitement behind the innovative DAOs (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations). Gordon is the Founder of the esteemed law firm, Crypto Law Partners and has also recently been appointed International General Council of the Emerging Technology Association. “The ability to form human organisations on the blockchain without government permission is both massively efficient and liberating”