Share this article
IBM Wins Patent for Blockchain-Based Network Security System
A newly published IBM patent proposes bolstering network security by monitoring potential network intrusions on a blockchain.
By Nikhilesh De
Updated Sep 13, 2021, 8:26 a.m. Published Oct 3, 2018, 9:00 a.m.
Make us preferred on Google
A new patent awarded to tech giant IBM highlights how blockchain tech might play a role in monitoring security breaches within computer networks.
First filed in September 2017 and awarded Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the patent outlines how a network of monitors connected to a blockchain platform can log events on the network, including potential intrusions. While attackers may try to hide signs of their work on one monitor, having multiple backups of that information will help ensure that such events are still logged, according to IBM.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
"On a computer system or network, data may be monitored for many different purposes. Data monitoring may identify problems, observe conditions or track metrics by logging the events of a given computer system or network," the patent states. Securing such data is critical for a company.
To that end, Big Blue notes that companies may set up a system of devices to monitor attempted intrusions on the distributed network, using node consensus to flag any irregularities.
The patent explains:
"Having synchronized monitors set up in a blockchain configuration ensures consensus among the monitors. Since one monitor alone cannot alter the event log in the past or cannot fake the event log in the future, if one monitor is hacked, then there may be no consensus among the synchronized monitors and the event may not get written into the log."
The sensors allow consensus by passing the same information to more than one monitor. When monitors are validating information, if data for an event or transaction does not match, then one monitor may have been compromised.
In such an event, this "may alert the monitor security program of inconsistent data," which in turn warns the system administrators that there is an issue.
Using blockchain technology to highlight irregularities in this way, would therefore "create a less vulnerable network" according to IBM.
IBM image via JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
More For You
Pudgy Penguins is building a multi-vertical consumer IP platform — combining phygital products, games, NFTs and PENGU to monetize culture at scale.
What to know:
Pudgy Penguins is emerging as one of the strongest NFT-native brands of this cycle, shifting from speculative “digital luxury goods” into a multi-vertical consumer IP platform. Its strategy is to acquire users through mainstream channels first; toys, retail partnerships and viral media, then onboard them into Web3 through games, NFTs and the PENGU token.
The ecosystem now spans phygital products (> $13M retail sales and >1M units sold), games and experiences (Pudgy Party surpassed 500k downloads in two weeks), and a widely distributed token (airdropped to 6M+ wallets). While the market is currently pricing Pudgy at a premium relative to traditional IP peers, sustained success depends on execution across retail expansion, gaming adoption and deeper token utility.
More For You
Altcoins jump as dollar slides, bitcoin holds steady: Crypto Markets Today
The Dollar Index hit a four-year low, while altcoins surged led by HYPE, JTO and Solana memecoin PIPPIN.
What to know:
- Bitcoin held near $89,200 and ether topped $3,000, supported by a sharp drop in the U.S. dollar index (DXY).
- Altcoins outperformed, with Hyperliquid’s HYPE up 25% and Solana staking token JTO extending a 31% three-day rally.
- Speculative tokens led gains, including Solana-based memecoin PIPPIN up 64%, as CoinDesk’s altcoin-heavy CD80 index beat CD20.
