News
What even is a blockchain?
In recent months there has been a great deal of talk about the underlying technology of Bitcoin, blockchain, and its potential to be a huge disruptor. It’s potential uses are cited to be inumerable, with entrepreneurs and forward-thinkers from any and all sectors finding ways that it could be utilised in their area.
But what even is it?
Well, blockchain is almost like an extended and linked database. Many of us have heard of Bitcoins and cryptocurrency. Blockchain is basically a ledger of records grouped together as batches of data called blocks. These use cryptographic validation to link themselves together. Each of these blocks references and identifies the previous. This forms an unbroken chain. With us so far?
Probably not. To simplify it even more, blockchain is like a database that validates itself. What makes it different to other databases is that it exists in multiple locations at one time – it’s said to be distributed across these locations, in multiple locations, so that anybody can maintain a copy of it. Meaning that nobody can tamper with the records.
Accessed from anywhere within the chain, a blockchain will be able to see any and all previous transactions, and when new transactions are added, they are done so irreversibly, and so become another previous transaction that remains on the chain permanently.
A permanent, transparent database existing in multiple locations
If you are still with us, hopefully you will begin to see that a blockchain is effectively a tamper-proof, permanent, community controlled and shared database. Another term for a blockchain is a multiple distributed ledger, or MDL – something which has been around since 1976. So why the change of term? Well, read on.
That’s where the Bitcoin bit comes in
Bitcoin simplified the traditional MDL into the blockchain that we see today – and that everybody is raving about. Bitcoin’s nature as a currency maintained by a community and owned by nobody made blockchain ideal. Through blockchain, Bitcoin was able to be labelled secure, permanent and always trackable.
Where and why would we use blockchains
Simply put, blockchains can be utilised in any instance and in any sector where trust is hard-founded. As a registry within a sector, a blockchain would provide complete and total clarity looking backward for regulators and auditors, simply because all data within it is immutable and permanent.
And it’s not just for the financial too. Blockchains could be ideal as an audit-trail for pretty much anything.
That’s what blockchain is.
Categories
- Case Study
- Charities
- Cloud Computing
- 10 Ways to be More Productive with Microsoft 365
- Cloud Based Services for Business
- Top Cloud Computing Trends
- Myth-busting Cloud Technology
- Technology to Minimise the Disruption Of School Holidays
- Cyan delivers a tailored cloud based solution
- Managing Security With Remote Workers
- What Are The Benefits Of GDPR?
- The biggest risk for data breaches is your employees
- Is your business prepared for bad weather?
- How technology innovation can improve efficiencies for charities
- How internet of things is shaping the workplace of the future
- Does a lack of cloud computing standards compromise its use?
- Common places where SMEs slip-up when using the cloud
- Things to consider before choosing a cloud platform
- Just how secure is the cloud? (Spoiler: Very.)
- Reasons to consider remote working
- Cloud computing terms – what do they even mean?
- Essential time-saving apps for SMEs
- Cyber Security
- “How Strong Is My Password?”
- Industry News Roundup December 2020
- Shocking Cyber Security Stats 2020
- How Staff Accidentally Help Hackers Steal Sensitive Data
- A quick guide to keep personal devices secure
- Three super simple things you can do now to protect your business
- Have You Considered These Risks to Your Business?
- Cyan Approved to Join NCSC Cyber Information Security Partnership (CiSP)
- What Is Cyber Insurance and Does My Business Need It?
- What Is Ransomware and How Should I Protect My Business?
- The End of Life for Windows 7
- What is Cyber Essentials and Why is it Great For Your Business?
- The Cyber Security Basics You Should be Covering Now
- How to Create a Cyber Security Policy for Your Business
- 3 Reasons Businesses Are Still Getting Their Cyber Security Wrong
- Cyber Security Risks You Need to Focus on in 2020
- Cyber Security Services
- Remote and Fully Managed IT Support Tailored To Your Needs
- IT Security Strategy: What You Need to Know
- Essential Recommendations for Business IT Security
- How Often Should You Audit Your Business Cybersecurity?
- Managing Cybersecurity Solutions for SMEs
- Cybercrime Is On The Increase
- Monitoring The Dark Web To Stop Security Breaches Fast
- How to protect your business against phishing scams
- Disaster Recovery
- GDPR
- Myth-busting Cloud Technology
- Using The Cloud For Your Disaster Recovery Strategy
- How to Make Sure Your Staff Don’t Breach Your Data Security
- What Are The Benefits Of GDPR?
- Monitoring The Dark Web To Stop Security Breaches Fast
- The biggest risk for data breaches is your employees
- The Dos And Don’ts Around Consent For GDPR Compliance
- Plan. Create. Maintain for GDPR compliance
- Checklist For GDPR Compliance – Are You Ready?
- The Financial Impact and Gains Of GDPR
- What You Need To Know About GDPR: 6 Key Principles
- How GDPR affects charities
- The Data Protection Law Is Changing: What Does Your Business Need To Do?
- IT Budget
- IT Help Desk
- IT Infrastructure
- The End of Life for Windows 7
- What is a Typical IT Budget for a Small or Midsize Business?
- Digital Transformation Of Social Housing – Top Five Trends
- How and Why You Should Use Scalable Technology Infrastructure
- Driving Business Growth Through IT Infrastructure
- How Cyan Solutions Helped Toto Energy drive rapid Growth
- IT Security
- “How Strong Is My Password?”
- Industry News Roundup August 2020
- Keep devices protected while remote-working
- Have You Considered These Risks to Your Business?
- Cyan Approved to Join NCSC Cyber Information Security Partnership (CiSP)
- What Is Cyber Insurance and Does My Business Need It?
- What Is Ransomware and How Should I Protect My Business?
- The End of Life for Windows 7
- What is Cyber Essentials and Why is it Great For Your Business?
- The Cyber Security Basics You Should be Covering Now
- How to Create a Cyber Security Policy for Your Business
- 3 Reasons Businesses Are Still Getting Their Cyber Security Wrong
- Cyber Security Risks You Need to Focus on in 2020
- Cyber Security Services
- IT Security Strategy: What You Need to Know
- Essential Recommendations for Business IT Security
- How Often Should You Audit Your Business Cybersecurity?
- Managing Cybersecurity Solutions for SMEs
- Top 5 Ways To Avoid Phishing Emails
- Key Technology Trends Impacting the Energy Sector
- Top Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Requirements
- Using The Cloud For Your Disaster Recovery Strategy
- Managing Security With Remote Workers
- Our Guide To IT Budgeting
- How to Make Sure Your Staff Don’t Breach Your Data Security
- Driving Business Growth Through IT Infrastructure
- Plan. Create. Maintain for GDPR compliance
- Flaw in Intel Chips Puts Millions of Computers At Risk
- Does a lack of cloud computing standards compromise its use?
- 10 basic (but essential) business tech security tips
- Just how secure is the cloud? (Spoiler: Very.)
- Cloud computing terms – what do they even mean?
- Essential time-saving apps for SMEs
- IT Services
- 10 Questions to Ask About Your IT Service Provider in 2020
- Virtual CIO Services
- Cloud Based Services for Business
- What is a Typical IT Budget for a Small or Midsize Business?
- Does Outsourcing Mean IT Cost Reduction
- Tips for Finding the Best IT Consulting Solutions
- Top Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Requirements
- Cyan delivers a tailored cloud based solution
- What support should you expect from your IT provider
- IT Strategy
- IT KPI’s to track and measure
- IT Strategy Template 2021
- Why Your Business Needs an IT Strategy
- Why you should be making plans to implement remote working long-term
- Continuity Checklist
- Have You Considered These Risks to Your Business?
- The End of Life for Windows 7
- What to Include in Your IT Strategy in 2020
- What Does Digital Transformation Mean for Your Business in 2020?
- Remote and Fully Managed IT Support Tailored To Your Needs
- Essential Recommendations for Business IT Security
- What is a Typical IT Budget for a Small or Midsize Business?
- Does Outsourcing Mean IT Cost Reduction
- Is Your IT Spending Under Control?
- IT Budget Planning Mistakes You Should Avoid
- What is Your IT Strategy?
- Tips for Finding the Best IT Consulting Solutions
- Embrace New Technology with an IT Transformation Strategy
- Do Your Employees Understand Your IT Business Strategy?
- Digital Transformation Of Social Housing – Top Five Trends
- Top 5 Ways To Avoid Phishing Emails
- Key Technology Trends Impacting the Energy Sector
- Cybercrime Is On The Increase
- Essential Data Back-Up & Disaster Recovery Tips
- Using The Cloud For Your Disaster Recovery Strategy
- Harnessing Technology to Enhance Housing Associations Performance
- Why Your Phone System is an Essential Part of Your Technology Strategy
- Driving Business Growth Through IT Infrastructure
- The Dos And Don’ts Around Consent For GDPR Compliance
- The Importance Of Having A Good Technology Strategy
- Things to consider before choosing a cloud platform
- IT Support
- 10 Questions to Ask About Your IT Service Provider in 2020
- Remote and Fully Managed IT Support Tailored To Your Needs
- What is a Typical IT Budget for a Small or Midsize Business?
- Does Outsourcing Mean IT Cost Reduction
- Tips for Finding the Best IT Consulting Solutions
- Key Technology Trends Impacting the Energy Sector
- Top Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Requirements
- What support should you expect from your IT provider
- How your customers benefit from using a smart meter
- Microsoft Office 365
- A Day in the Life of a Managing Director
- Industry News Roundup December 2020
- 10 Ways to be More Productive with Microsoft 365
- Digital Transformation Of Social Housing – Top Five Trends
- Key Technology Trends Impacting the Energy Sector
- Top Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Requirements
- Managing Volunteer Teams Through Good Technology
- Microsoft Office 365: Discounts and Subscriptions for Charities
- How technology innovation can improve efficiencies for charities
- News
- Industry News Roundup December 2020
- Industry News Roundup August 2020
- Industry News for July 2020: Remote Working
- Have You Considered These Risks to Your Business?
- Cyan Approved to Join NCSC Cyber Information Security Partnership (CiSP)
- What Is Cyber Insurance and Does My Business Need It?
- What Is Ransomware and How Should I Protect My Business?
- The End of Life for Windows 7
- What is Cyber Essentials and Why is it Great For Your Business?
- The Cyber Security Basics You Should be Covering Now
- How to Create a Cyber Security Policy for Your Business
- 3 Reasons Businesses Are Still Getting Their Cyber Security Wrong
- Cyber Security Risks You Need to Focus on in 2020
- What to Include in Your IT Strategy in 2020
- 10 Questions to Ask About Your IT Service Provider in 2020
- What Does Digital Transformation Mean for Your Business in 2020?
- IT Security Strategy: What You Need to Know
- Essential Recommendations for Business IT Security
- How Often Should You Audit Your Business Cybersecurity?
- Managing Cybersecurity Solutions for SMEs
- What is a Typical IT Budget for a Small or Midsize Business?
- Does Outsourcing Mean IT Cost Reduction
- Is Your IT Spending Under Control?
- IT Budget Planning Mistakes You Should Avoid
- What is Your IT Strategy?
- Tips for Finding the Best IT Consulting Solutions
- Embrace New Technology with an IT Transformation Strategy
- Do Your Employees Understand Your IT Business Strategy?
- Digital Transformation Of Social Housing – Top Five Trends
- Top 5 Ways To Avoid Phishing Emails
- Key Technology Trends Impacting the Energy Sector
- Top Cloud Computing Trends
- Myth-busting Cloud Technology
- Top Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Requirements
- How and Why You Should Use Scalable Technology Infrastructure
- Cybercrime Is On The Increase
- Essential Data Back-Up & Disaster Recovery Tips
- Technology to Minimise the Disruption Of School Holidays
- Cyan delivers a tailored cloud based solution
- Using The Cloud For Your Disaster Recovery Strategy
- Managing Security With Remote Workers
- Our Guide To IT Budgeting
- What support should you expect from your IT provider
- How Blockchain Gives Transparency to Charity Spending
- How to Make Sure Your Staff Don’t Breach Your Data Security
- Harnessing Technology to Enhance Housing Associations Performance
- Why Your Phone System is an Essential Part of Your Technology Strategy
- What Are The Benefits Of GDPR?
- Monitoring The Dark Web To Stop Security Breaches Fast
- Driving Business Growth Through IT Infrastructure
- The biggest risk for data breaches is your employees
- Why Use A Virtual CIO?
- Is your business prepared for bad weather?
- The Dos And Don’ts Around Consent For GDPR Compliance
- The Importance Of Having A Good Technology Strategy
- Plan. Create. Maintain for GDPR compliance
- Checklist For GDPR Compliance – Are You Ready?
- The Financial Impact and Gains Of GDPR
- Managing Volunteer Teams Through Good Technology
- What You Need To Know About GDPR: 6 Key Principles
- How GDPR affects charities
- How your customers benefit from using a smart meter
- The Data Protection Law Is Changing: What Does Your Business Need To Do?
- Microsoft Office 365: Discounts and Subscriptions for Charities
- How to protect your business against phishing scams
- Flaw in Intel Chips Puts Millions of Computers At Risk
- What even is a blockchain?
- 7 must-have apps and software that aid remote working
- How Cyan Solutions Helped Toto Energy drive rapid Growth
- How technology innovation can improve efficiencies for charities
- How internet of things is shaping the workplace of the future
- Does a lack of cloud computing standards compromise its use?
- Some of the most innovative applications of VR by businesses we’ve seen so far
- Common places where SMEs slip-up when using the cloud
- Tips to be more mobile friendly
- Cyan delivers sustainable solutions and increases confidence in IT at Sands
- Will AI ever completely replace human customer service?
- 10 basic (but essential) business tech security tips
- Things to consider before choosing a cloud platform
- How artificial intelligence will affect future business
- Just how secure is the cloud? (Spoiler: Very.)
- Reasons to consider remote working
- Cloud computing terms – what do they even mean?
- Essential time-saving apps for SMEs
- Telecommunications
- Virtual CIO
- Virtual CIO Services
- Is Your IT Spending Under Control?
- IT Budget Planning Mistakes You Should Avoid
- What is Your IT Strategy?
- Tips for Finding the Best IT Consulting Solutions
- Embrace New Technology with an IT Transformation Strategy
- Do Your Employees Understand Your IT Business Strategy?
- Driving Business Growth Through IT Infrastructure
- Why Use A Virtual CIO?