A new CertiK series giving users bite-size tips and info to stay informed and safe in the #crypto space. Episode 11: What is Centralization vs Decentralization vs Distributed Networks? Learn more in under 2 mins! https://www.certik.com/products/pentest Transcript: Centralization, decentralization, and distributed networks are three different systems used for storing data. Centralization has been the status quo for web technology, making websites easy to use. A centralized network processes and stores data on a specific server. They allow engineers to roll out updates and fixes to the host server. Centralized networks often hire security firms to do penetration testing, which simulates a network attack. With centralization, if a server suffers downtime the entire network grinds to a halt. Decentralization offers more security and helps mitigate attacks. A decentralized network operates across many different nodes. Each node holds the entire database and verifies its version against each other to achieve consensus. A decentralized network requires more effort to update, has a greater environmental impact through its energy consumption. A distributed network operates like a decentralized system but may not require each node to host all of its data independently. Increased transparency is a key feature with each node having equal access to the data. This also makes it difficult to change information in the network. Smart contract auditing has risen from new types of attacks on decentralized and distributed networks. Whether it be Penetration Testing or Smart Contract Auditing choosing the right technology will ensure greater success. To learn more about centralization, decentralization, and distributed networks, visit CertiK.com/resources.

In 2023, the Web3 security landscape experienced significant changes, as detailed in CertiK's Annual Report. The year saw a notable decrease in financial losses due to hacks, scams, and exploits, down to $1.8 billion, which is 51% less than in 2022 and 65% lower than in 2021. Despite this positive trend, the number of incidents rose to 751, indicating ongoing vulnerabilities. November emerged as the costliest month, with losses totaling $363 million. Private key compromises were identified as a primary cause, responsible for half of the year's losses. The report also explores intriguing cases like KyberSwap and analyzes the correlation between DeFi’s Total Value Locked (TVL) and the losses incurred. CertiK's achievements in 2023 included launching the SkyInsights platform, earning accolades for mobile security, and receiving a significant bug bounty from SUI. This highlights the company’s proactive approach in the evolving field of Web3 security.

Dive into the cutting-edge world of cybersecurity with our exploration of Zero-Trust Architecture—an approach that doesn't just patch up the weaknesses of the past, but revolutionizes how we protect our digital landscape. In this journey, we unveil how Web3, with its blockchain foundations, transforms the internet into a fortress without walls, where each transaction is transparent and trust is not assumed, but cryptographically verified. Say goodbye to the vulnerable systems of old and welcome a new era where every interaction is secure by design, creating an online ecosystem that's as robust as it is revolutionary. Join us to discover how the Zero-Trust model is paving the way for a safer, smarter, and more secure future online.