A complex database system called blockchain technology makes it possible for transparent information to be shared across an organization's network. Using blockchain technology, you can track orders, payments, and other transactions by creating an immutable ledger that is stored in a chain of linked blocks inside a blockchain database. Consequently, this article focuses on the benefits and limitations of using blockchain technology in the healthcare sector.
Benefits
Patient data management is among the most successful applications of blockchain in the medical field. Blockchain encryption methods enable safe data storage for medical records.
Additionally, blockchain guarantees data immutability. It ensures that patient data is accurate and authentic over time since, once captured, it cannot be changed without the network's approval.
Researching a novel disease or conducting clinical trials for new medications frequently requires researchers to capture enormous amounts of data. Blockchain facilitates the recording of all modifications made in clinical trials and aids in tracking the specifics of those modifications.
For those who live in remote places, telemedicine can make it simple to receive high-quality treatment. Using blockchain technology can help minimize cyberattacks because there is an exchange of records between the patient and the doctor.
Limitations
lack of technical knowledge: It is not anticipated that every user would have knowledge of it. Additionally, a lot of people are not familiar with the newest technologies.
Lack of paperless method adoption: Paper records are preferred by many clinicians and consumers. They would rather have a file system for the medical records. Not all pharmacies use only paperless transactions. It is therefore difficult to adjust to a completely paperless blockchain network.
Lack of government involvement: Most hospitals are owned by the government. Consequently, the government is involved in enforcing regulations. Because blockchain is a distributed, highly decentralized ledger, it cannot be used in government-owned hospitals.
Absence of Acceptance of Cryptocurrencies: The majority of physicians do not accept cryptocurrencies as payment. Acceptance of blockchain technology before the full establishment of online payment. As a result, it is important to execute online payments properly. Then, the use of blockchain technology is necessary.
To conclude, blockchain technology is essential not only for the health sector but also for different sectors in the country. Implementing this technology in the health sector effectively will enable flexible and exciting use of the technology.
COMMON SECURITY VULNERABILITIES IN BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEMS AND STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE THEM
Any system that is developed will inevitably encounter vulnerabilities in one form or another. Depending on the kind of system that has been developed, these vulnerabilities vary in different sectors, and security is one of them. Conversely, blockchain is susceptible to security flaws as well. Let us examine the types of security flaws that blockchain systems face and how to attenuate them.
Hackers and fraudsters can attack blockchain technology by:
Attacks by routing: Blockchains depend on massive real-time data transfers. While data is being transmitted to internet service providers, hackers can intercept it. The lack of visibility of a potential routing attack makes everything seem normal to blockchain participants.
51% attacks: Mining demands a large computational capacity, especially for public blockchains that are large in size. On the other hand, more than half of a blockchain network's mining power can be obtained by a miner or group of miners if they can pool enough resources. Assuming control over fifty percent of the vote entitles you to manipulate the ledger. Keep in mind that private blockchains are safe from 51% attack scenarios.
Another is the use of phishing attacks, which involve tricking a user into providing their login credentials. Scammers send wallet key owners emails that appear to be from reliable sources. The emails ask for users' credentials by using fake hyperlinks. In the event that credentials and other private information are compromised, both the user and the blockchain network could sustain harm.
When conducting a Sybil attack, hackers create and use a large number of false network identities in an effort to overwhelm the network and take down the system. Multiple identity disorder has been identified in the well-known fictional character Sybil.
These attacks can be prevented or eliminated just before they happen in order to prevent recurrent incidents. This is brought about by:
Use strong encryption when sending data to prevent routing attacks. Train staff members on the potential risks of routing attacks and use certificates to establish secure routing protocols.
Make sure that the hash rate is higher than that of a potential hacker in order to increase mining pool safety in the event of a 51% attack.
Regarding phishing attempts, before engaging, verify the sender, source, and links. Install a browser plugin that has been verified to identify dangerous websites. When in doubt, talk to a dependable coworker or the security specialists at your company about phishing emails. You should also install a reputable antimalware program on your device to detect malicious links and boost device security.
Select the most suitable consensus algorithm for your blockchain network in order to defend against Sybil attacks. Additionally, search for additional nodes that send blocks from a single user only.
In the same way that technology is constantly evolving and changing, hackers also come up with new methods for breaking into systems and causing havoc. Employees in an organization must learn how to stay vigilant at all times and become familiar with defense mechanisms in case of an attack.
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