Blockchain is great and it has a huge potential for the future, but one of its critical vulnerabilities is the integrity of its nodes, the backbone of the system. In an Internet with more Web3.0 applications and amid China’s evolving regulatory landscape, securing blockchain applications becomes a no-brainer. On this, I believe Alibaba Cloud plays a unique role in securing layer-2 blockchain applications within the Chinese market and globally.

Trusting The Nodes

Blockchain networks rely on a distributed network of nodes to validate and record transactions. These nodes are essential to the consensus mechanism, whether it’s Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS). However, the decentralized nature of nodes also brings cons to the table. The weakest point in any blockchain system is when more than 50% of its nodes become compromised (The famous 51% attack), opening the doors to malicious actors to manipulate the network, double-spend coins, or disrupt operations.

As we can see, the decentralisation of nodes itself, while a key feature of blockchain, can also be a vulnerability. Many nodes are run at home, on personal computers, often with almost no security measures in place. Those home-based nodes lack robust security, making them susceptible to malware and infections. In that scenario, the trustworthiness of the hardware becomes a significant concern, making the whole network untrustable.

The role for public cloud providers in securing blockchain applications is increasingly vital. Those companies routinely undergo audits and certifications to ensure the integrity of their systems and hardware.

Alibaba’s Local Market, China

In the context of securing blockchain applications, Alibaba Cloud’s importance increases when considering its role within the Chinese market. China has been at the forefront of blockchain technology adoption while imposing strict regulations. Given the Chinese government’s increased focus on controlling and regulating blockchain applications, it becomes essential for blockchain developers to align with trusted partners. Alibaba Cloud offers precisely that trust and reliability.

Key Roles of a Cloud Provider in Securing Blockchain Applications

1. Hardware Trustworthiness: Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to passing regular audits and certifications translates into a high level of trust in the hardware it provides. This is essential for customers looking to build and operate blockchain networks and applications. By hosting blockchain nodes on Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure, the risk associated with compromised hardware can be mitigated.

2. Compliance and Regulation: Alibaba Cloud’s compliance framework ensures that it adheres to local and international regulations. When it comes to blockchain regulations, this commitment to compliance provides a secure environment for projects, especially in China, where regulatory clarity is crucial.

3. Scalability and Reliability: Alibaba Cloud’s global network of regions offers the scalability and reliability that blockchain applications require, whether it’s handling a surge in transactions or ensuring uptime.

4. Security Services: Alibaba Cloud’s security services can be integrated into blockchain applications. This includes Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection, identity and access management, and threat detection.

As you can see with Web3.0 and blockchain technology, the security of blockchain applications becomes number one priority. In the context of China, Alibaba Cloud’s role becomes even more significant, offering a reliable and compliant platform for blockchain innovation.