Tag: Secure blockchain

Decentralized bitcoin network over Europe continent.

Top Blockchain Protocols 2025: The Networks Powering the Next Financial Era

November, 2025
| No Comments
| Blockchain

“Protocols are the railways of the digital economy — everything moves faster when trust runs on code.” – DNA Bitcoin Broker Knowledge Base.

In 2025, blockchain has matured from an experiment into the infrastructure layer of global finance.
Behind every token, payment system, and tokenised asset lies a protocol — a digital foundation defining how value moves, scales, and secures itself.

The new generation of blockchain networks isn’t just competing on speed.
They’re redefining interoperability, regulation, and institutional trust — the three pillars shaping the future of digital assets.

 Learn more: Institutional Tokenisation

1. Bitcoin (BTC): The Original Monetary Network

Bitcoin remains the base layer of digital trust.
With a $1.6 trillion market cap in 2025 and record ETF inflows, it’s no longer just a speculative asset — it’s a monetary infrastructure.

  • – Hashrate: Over 650 EH/s (the most secure network in history)

  • – Lightning Network capacity: 6,800 BTC supporting instant global micropayments

  • – ETFs: Over $65 billion in assets across U.S. and European funds

While not programmable in the same way as newer protocols, Bitcoin’s simplicity is its strength — a secure, censorship-resistant foundation for digital value.

See: Bitcoin Market Dynamics

2. Ethereum (ETH): The Global Settlement Layer

Ethereum continues to dominate as the smart contract standard for decentralised applications and tokenised finance.

In 2025:

  • – Over $100 billion in value is locked in Ethereum-based DeFi protocols.

  • – Layer-2 scaling networks like Arbitrum and Optimism reduce costs by up to 95%.

  • – The Shanghai and Dencun upgrades have made staking more efficient and sustainable.

Institutions view Ethereum as the global programmable ledger, powering Tokenisation, NFTs, and regulated DeFi.

Learn more: DeFi and MiCA Regulation.

3. Solana (SOL): High-Speed Finance for the Real World

Once known for network outages, Solana has emerged as the performance leader among major chains.
Its high throughput and low transaction costs make it ideal for fintech integrations, payment networks, and high-frequency trading infrastructure.

In 2025:

  • – Solana processes over 65 million transactions per day.

  • – USDC and EURC Stablecoins are native to its network.

  • – Institutional adoption is accelerating, with partnerships in DeFi, tokenised assets, and cross-border settlements.

Solana’s technical recovery and strong developer ecosystem have turned it from a risk play into a reliable enterprise-grade protocol.

Explore: Global Impact of MiCA

4. Avalanche (AVAX): Custom Blockchains for Institutions

Avalanche has carved out a niche in customisable, compliant blockchain environments.
Its unique Subnet architecture allows financial institutions to build dedicated networks with bespoke rules and performance parameters.

In 2025:

  • – Over 200 institutional subnets are live or in testing.

  • – Banks and asset managers use Avalanche for tokenised debt issuance and on-chain compliance tracking.

  • – Its low-latency consensus supports institutional-grade performance without compromising decentralisation.

Avalanche bridges the gap between private enterprise blockchains and the public crypto economy, aligning with emerging regulatory frameworks.

See: Crypto Custody Solutions

5. Chainlink (LINK): The Data Standard of Decentralised Finance

Chainlink remains the industry’s leading oracle network, connecting smart contracts to real-world data, payments, and APIs.

In 2025:

  • – Chainlink secures over $15 trillion in on-chain transaction value.

  • – The launch of CCIP (Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol) enables assets to move securely between blockchains.

  • – Partnerships with SWIFT, DTCC, and global banks demonstrate its real-world utility.

Chainlink is the unseen infrastructure behind institutional DeFi — ensuring that digital finance operates on verifiable, accurate data.

Learn more: Institutional Bitcoin Adoption

The Institutional Landscape: Integration Over Competition

The story of 2025 isn’t about one protocol winning — it’s about integration.
Bitcoin provides the foundation of value.
Ethereum delivers programmability.
Solana and Avalanche optimise performance.
Chainlink connects it all together.

The modern financial stack is now multi-chain, regulation-aware, and institutionally connected.
The next frontier isn’t faster block times — it’s compliance, composability, and confidence.

Learn more: Global Impact of MiCA

The Bottom Line

2025 marks a turning point in blockchain history.
For the first time, performance, interoperability, and regulation are aligned.

From Bitcoin’s reliability to Solana’s speed and Chainlink’s precision, the world’s top protocols now power everything from global settlements to tokenised assets.

As institutions scale their blockchain exposure, DNA Bitcoin Broker provides the gateway — connecting clients to the networks shaping the next decade of digital finance.

Adobe Stock: 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice.

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Global Compliance Connection Through Blockchain, world map with a blockchain bridge arching across continents, each block engraved with digital security and compliance symbols.

The Next Big Risk: Cross-Chain Bridges, Security Breaches, and How Investors Can Stay Protected

September, 2025
| No Comments
| Bitcoin

“Bridges are the backbone of multichain DeFi — and its weakest link.” – DNA Crypto Knowledge Base.

Since Ethereum assets first migrated into Solana to trade NFTs, cross-chain bridges have become essential to the multichain future. They eliminate ecosystem boundaries, letting users move tokens, Stablecoins, and NFTs across networks.

But there’s a catch: bridges are also the #1 target for hackers, with more than €2 billion stolen since 2021.

Learn more: Cross-Chain Bridges and Security Risks

What Are Blockchain Bridges?

A blockchain bridge enables the transfer of assets or data between two different blockchains. Without them, ETH, SOL, or BTC would remain siloed in their own ecosystems.

Typical flow:

  1. Deposit ETH into a bridge on Ethereum.

  2. ETH is locked in a contract.

  3. A wrapped version (wETH) is minted on Solana.

  4. Funds can later be redeemed back to Ethereum.

Beyond tokens, bridges support Stablecoins, NFTs, and cross-chain data (CCIP), enabling liquidity and composability across chains.

Related: Smart Contracts in Secure Transfers

Types of Bridges

  • – Token-Specific vs General – wBTC vs multi-asset bridges.

  • – Centralised vs Decentralised – company-run vs validator smart contracts.

  • – Unidirectional vs Bidirectional – one-way vs two-way flows.

Each comes with trade-offs between speed, flexibility, and security.

Why Hackers Target Bridges

Bridges are the single largest source of crypto hacks, surpassing exchange exploits. Weaknesses include:

  • – Unproven validator sets

  • – Poor private key security

  • – Unaudited contracts

  • – Governance flaws in upgradeability

  • – Lack of transaction monitoring or rate limits

Famous attacks:

  • – Ronin (Axie Infinity), 2022 – €540M stolen

  • – Wormhole, 2022 – €300M stolen

Explore: DeFi Security Risks

How to Choose the Right Bridge

When evaluating bridges, investors should prioritise:

  • – Security & Reputation – Audits, open-source code, credible backers

  • – Supported Chains & Assets – Check compatibility

  • – Speed & Fees – Some are instant, others take hours

  • – User Experience – Simple interfaces prevent costly errors

  • Best Practices for Safe Bridging

    • – Always test small transfers first

    • – Double-check wallet addresses

    • – Account for gas fees

    • – Stick to established projects

    • – Avoid suspicious links — only use verified sources

    See: Blockchain Oracles Explained

  • DNA Crypto’s Evaluation Method

    We assess bridges on three factors:

    1. Security – audits, transparency, resilience

    2. Supported Chains – breadth and liquidity depth

    3. User Experience – cost, speed, reliability

    Only bridges balancing these priorities make our list.

  • Top Cross-Chain Bridges in 2025

    • – Stargate (LayerZero) – DeFi tokens and Stablecoins

    • – Synapse Protocol – widely used for multi-chain swaps

    • – Wormhole (Portal) – general-purpose bridging

    • – Celer cBridge – fast, lightweight transfers

    • – Symbiosis Finance – liquidity aggregation across chains

    • The Bottom Line

      Cross-chain bridges are crucial to DeFi — but also its weakest point. With over €2B lost to hacks since 2021, investors must balance access and security.

      Use bridges, but use them wisely.

    • Image Source: Adobe Stock
      Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice.

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Real estate brokerage agent Contract, agreement, home insurance concept.

Cross-Chain Escrow: Building Trust in a Multichain World

August, 2025
| No Comments
| Blockchain

In a multichain future, escrow is not a service—it’s an algorithm.” – DNA Crypto Knowledge Base.

Escrow has always been about trust: one party holds funds until conditions are met. In traditional finance, that role was filled by banks or payment providers. In decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts replace intermediaries. But when transactions cross different blockchains, trust gets complicated.

This is where cross-chain escrow enters—bridging the gap between ecosystems and creating programmable trust for a multichain world.

Learn more: Cross-Chain Escrow Explained

Why Trust Is Hard in Digital Transactions

Whether buying an NFT across chains, swapping tokens, or closing a DeFi agreement, two core questions emerge:

  • – How does the buyer know they’ll get what they paid for?

  • – How does the seller know they’ll actually get paid?

In traditional finance, trust is external (banks, intermediaries). In DeFi, it’s encoded in immutable smart contracts. Yet cross-chain deals add complexity—different chains, different rules, no shared consensus.

How Cross-Chain Escrow Works

Cross-chain escrow uses smart contracts to lock assets on one chain until delivery is verified on another.

Typical flow:

  1. Set the rules.

  2. Deposit assets.

  3. Verify delivery.

  4. Release or refund.

Example: David pays 2 ETH for Rob’s digital asset on another chain. The escrow locks David’s ETH while a wrapped version moves cross-chain. Once verified, Rob receives the ETH—no bank needed.

Related: Smart Contracts for Real-World Transactions

On-Chain vs Off-Chain Conditions

  • – On-chain: Verification is native (e.g., DeFi swaps, atomic swaps).

  • – Off-chain: Requires oracles to confirm real-world delivery (goods, services, fiat payments).

  • Read: What Are Oracles in Blockchain?

  • Benefits of Cross-Chain Escrow

    • – Trustless – no intermediary needed

    • – Transparent – every step is on-chain

    • – Efficient – reduces overhead, accelerates settlement

    But there are trade-offs:

    • – Gas fees add cost

    • – Public blockchains expose transaction size and disputes

    • From Single-Chain to Multichain

      Escrow once meant single-chain logic. Today, assets may start on Ethereum, settle on Polygon, and return via Bitcoin’s Lightning Network.

      Cross-chain escrow enables:

      • – NFT sales across networks

      • – Tokenized real estate transfers between private/public ledgers

      • – Asset swaps across Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Layer-2s

      • Explore: Cross-Chain Bridges and Risks

      • Security Matters

        Bridges are historically prime hack targets—billions have been lost.

        Best practices:

        • – Thorough audits of smart contracts and bridge protocols

        • – Avoid centralised validator reliance

        • – Use proven cryptographic standards (consider post-quantum readiness)

        • Related: Quantum Computing Threats to Blockchain

        • Real-World Examples

          • – Kleros Escrow – blockchain-based dispute resolution for cross-chain swaps

          • – Counos – Swiss multisignature crypto escrow

          • – IBC Group – escrow for tokenized assets with fiat settlement models

          • – Merchant Token – bridging consumer protection with blockchain payments

          • – DNA Crypto Escrow – coming soon

          • The Future: Bitcoin Joins the Party

            With the Lightning Network enabling atomic swaps, Bitcoin can now join cross-chain escrow deals. This opens the door to an ecosystem where banks, DeFi apps, and individuals transfer value seamlessly—without relying on central intermediaries.

            Cross-chain escrow is more than a tool—it’s becoming the foundation of programmable trust in a multichain economy.

          • Image Source: Envato

            Disclaimer: This article is purely for informational
            purposes. It is not offered or intended to be used for legal, tax, investment
            or financial advice.

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Quantum technology hammer crushing the Bitcoin symbolising a cryptocurrency security threat.

Quantum Threats to Bitcoin: Preparing for the Next Encryption Era

August, 2025
| No Comments
| Bitcoin

“The quantum threat to Bitcoin is not about if—it’s about when.” – DNA Crypto Knowledge Base

Quantum computing is moving from labs into reality, and its implications for Bitcoin security are profound. A breakthrough could undermine the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) that underpins Bitcoin’s wallets and transactions, potentially endangering millions of coins.

Learn more: Quantum Computing and Blockchain Security

Bitcoin’s Cryptographic Weaknesses

Bitcoin relies on ECC for transaction verification. Today it’s secure—but with Shor’s algorithm, a sufficiently advanced quantum computer could derive private keys from public keys, enabling fraudulent transactions.

The scale of the risk:

  • – ~25% of Bitcoin in circulation has already exposed public keys on-chain

  • – Nearly 4 million BTC could be vulnerable, including Satoshi’s holdings

  • – If even a fraction is stolen, the systemic shock could be catastrophic

  • Related: Understanding Bitcoin

  • The Urgency of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

    Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is being standardised by NIST to defend against quantum attacks. Yet adoption is lagging:

    • – 70% of enterprises are exploring PQC solutions

    • – Only 15% are “quantum-safe” today (NIST survey, 2024)

    For businesses handling digital assets, waiting until quantum maturity is too late. PQC adoption is a survival strategy, not an optional upgrade.

    Read: Post-Quantum Cryptography in Blockchain

    “Quantum resilience is no longer theoretical—it’s a business continuity issue.” – NIST Cybersecurity Whitepaper, 2025

  • How SMEs Can Prepare

    • – Transition to quantum-safe wallets

    • – Avoid Bitcoin address reuse

    • – Work with security experts for PQC migration

    • – Secure and offline backup of private keys

    • The Public Key Exposure Problem

      Even safe p2pkh addresses become exposed when spent.

      • – Bitcoin block confirmation ≈ 10 minutes

      • – Research shows future quantum computers may crack keys in ≈ 30 minutes

      If quantum cracking time falls below block time, the network could face fundamental compromise—even without address reuse.

    • Consensus Dilemma and Drastic Measures

      Proposed defence:

      • – Vulnerable holders move funds by a set deadline

      • – Miners reject transactions from unsafe addresses thereafter

      But this raises enormous challenges:

      • – Achieving consensus across the decentralised network

      • – Ethical dilemmas of freezing or invalidating coins

      • The Uncertain Future of Bitcoin Security

        Ultimately, Bitcoin’s resilience may hinge on:

        • – Migrating to PQC-based signature schemes

        • – Balancing usability, decentralisation, and security

        The transition won’t be easy, but it may be inevitable to safeguard Bitcoin’s future.

      • Act Before the Breakthrough

        An estimated 25% of the BTC supply is at risk of quantum theft. Even if your own coins are safe, systemic losses could crash the market.

        The time to act is now. Investors, SMEs, and institutions that prepare with PQC adoption, safer key management, and continuous monitoring will be positioned to survive the next encryption era.

      • Image Source: Adobe Stock

        Disclaimer: This article is purely for informational purposes. It is not offered or intended to be used for legal, tax, investment or financial advice.

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A woman is pointing to the word blockchain on a screen showcasing crypto technology.

What is Blockchain?

March, 2023
| No Comments
| Blockchain

Blockchain technology isn’t a fad. It’s the future. But what is Blockchain technology? And how can it be used to shape the future of the world economy?

Should you trust Blockchain? A tricky question indeed. Although it was first invented by Satoshi Nakamoto and intended to provide a decentralised currency, the technology has since evolved and is now being used for much more. If you’re new to Blockchain, keep scrolling.

What is a Blockchain and how does it work?

A Blockchain is a growing list of records called blocks linked and secured using cryptography. Typically, each block contains a hash pointer as a link to a previous block, a timestamp and transaction data. Blockchains are secure databases linked together in a chain of digital transactions that are resistant to modification and tampering.

Blockchain is the technology behind Bitcoin, but it does much more than store cryptocurrency. It can be used to track various forms of value, including money, votes, and shipping documents. The Blockchain is a distributed database that keeps a continuously growing list of ordered records called blocks.

We have already seen that Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger technology that records transactions securely and transparently. In a Blockchain, every transaction is verified and added to the chain of previous transactions, creating an immutable and transparent history of all transactions.

Below is a simplified explanation of how a Blockchain works:

  1. A transaction is initiated: When a user initiates a transaction, it is broadcast to the network of computers connected to the Blockchain.
  2. Verification: The nodes verify the transaction using a consensus mechanism, which can be Proof of Work or Proof of Stake.
  3. Adding to the block: Once the transaction is verified, it is added to a block along with other verified transactions.
  4. Hashing: The block is hashed using a cryptographic algorithm to create a unique digital fingerprint that identifies the block.
  5. Chain of blocks: The hashed block is added to the previous block, creating a chain of blocks stored on every network node.
  6. Immutable record: As each block is added to the chain, it creates a rigid record of all the transactions on the Blockchain.
  7. Distributed ledger: Since the Blockchain is distributed across the network of nodes, it is transparent, secure, and resistant to tampering.
  8. Incentives: Depending on the consensus mechanism used, users or nodes on the network may be incentivised to participate in verifying transactions and adding them to the Blockchain.

As shown above, Blockchain technology enables the secure and transparent recording and verification of transactions without the need for a centralised authority. This has led to its use in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and supply chain management and by extension, institutional investors.

What are the Pros and Cons of Blockchain?

Blockchain technology is a groundbreaking development in the world of finance and business. It has several advantages and disadvantages, each worth considering:

Advantages:

  1. Security: Blockchain technology uses cryptographic algorithms and decentralized distribution to ensure the security and integrity of transactions, making it highly resistant to hacking, fraud, and tampering.
  2. Transparency: Since Blockchain technology is distributed, every node in the network has access to the same information, making it highly transparent and trustworthy.
  3. Efficiency: Blockchain technology eliminates the need for intermediaries, thereby reducing transaction costs and accelerating the settlement process.
  4. Immutable record: Every transaction added to the Blockchain is permanent and cannot be altered, creating an immutable record that can be used for auditing, compliance, and other purposes.
  5. Decentralisation: Blockchain technology eliminates the need for a central authority, resulting in a highly democratic and autonomous system.

Disadvantages:

  1. Complexity: Blockchain technology demands substantial technical expertise to develop, operate, and maintain.
  2. Scalability: Blockchain technology can be slow and resource-intensive, making it difficult to scale for high-volume transactions.
  3. Energy consumption: Proof-of-Work consensus algorithms, used by some Blockchains, require significant amounts of energy to operate, making them environmentally unsustainable.
  4. Limited regulation: Blockchain technology’s decentralized and anonymous nature makes regulating and enforcing legal compliance challenging.

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, Blockchain technology is considered the next big thing to revolutionise how we do things. This article provides an overview of what it’s all about and how it’s already transforming the way businesses operate.

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

 

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Bitcoin Network and Global Connection Concept.

Public and Private Blockchains

August, 2022
| No Comments
| Blockchain

Blockchain is said to be the backbone of the future internet. This is because the basic singularity of Blockchains, known as the block, constitutes a blockchain responsible for recording information. There are two types of Blockchains; public Blockchains and private Blockchains. Public Blockchains rely…

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