The Mode Of Operation Of Key Compromise Attack On The Blockchain Network

Source

Virtually all of us make use of the digital world and we don't even take note of the potential risk involved in doing so, your data, information and identity can literally be stolen and that the digital network you love to use so much can be hacked, but in order to ensure the security and integrity of digital networks and protection of your sensitive information and data,

Cyber security is introduced and it is because of the large successes of the cyber security protocols and mechanisms that many of us are not facing certain digital crisis and when it comes to cryptocurrency ecosystem and general blockchain networks, cryptographic signature and its security protocols are basically implemented to prevent attacks.

However, there are attack schemes who still try and persist in their attempts to compromise blockchain networks one of such attack is the Key compromise attack, this is an attack that aims to compromise the cryptgraphic keys of users, let us consider, explain and discuss some of the mode of operation of the key compromise attack in blockchain networks and possible solutions.

BRUTE FORCE ATTACKS

Brute force attack, is are one of the mode of operation of the key compromise attack, it is simply the mode of operation that involves the attackers putting and applying alot of effort and force into compromising cryptographic keys, this force is applied to systematically try to determine correct cryptographic keys by continuous testing and guessing.

The amount of force, brute force required and the time it would take to successfully guess the right and correct cryptographic keys is dependent on how strong, complex and robust the combination of the cryptographic key is basically, the more robust and strong a cryptogrphic key combination is the more time and more force and effort it would take for an attacker to guess the correct combination and vice versa.

Successfully guessing a cryptographic key basically gives the attacker access to the users account, sensitive information and data as well as the authority to authenticate transactions, to mitigate this attack and threat to blockchain networks, networks should facilitate the use of strong and robust combinations for their users cryptographic keys, the network can also implement account lockout protocols and mechanisms after a certain number of consistent failed attempts.

DICTIONARY ATTACKS

Source

The Dictionary attack is another mode of operation of the key comprmise attack, this mode of operation is in some ways similar to the first mode of operation which I previously discussed the major difference however is that it is more efficient, in the sense that it does not put all its force and effort into trying every combination until it gets to the correct combination of cryptographic key.

Therefore, instead of trying all possible combinations there are, attackers use sone kind of a precompiled list or record of commonly used combinations for cryptographic keys, possible combinations such as dictionary words, phrases, and other common weak or not so strong, predictable and guessable password combinations.

The consequences of a successfully launched or executed dictionary attack is still the same as providing attackers with unauthorized access to the network and as a result diminishing the trust and integrity of the network and to mitigate this attack all the network has to do is to facilitate and create password managers that can help users generate an unpredictable and unguessable password combination.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE ATTACK

Man in the middle attack, is another mode of operation of the key compromise attack where by the attacker acts as a middle man or positions him or herself in way or manner that he or she is able to intercept and gain access to details of information on a communication between two parties without any of the parties involved knowing.

This attack is propagated by the attacker compromising the cryptographic keys used for encryption which gives him or her unauthorized access, allowing the attacker to authenticate, decrypt, read, and even modify or alter the details of the message or information sent, all these could lead to significant security breach and potential financial losses.

Therefore to prevent and mitigate the man in the middle attack, blockchain networks and its participants and users should employ and consider using end-to-end encryption protocols and mechanisms allowing only authorized persons or parties to be able to decrypt encrypted messages and information.

SIDE CHANNEL ATTACKS

Side channel attack, this is a type of cryptographic attack that takes advantage and exploits the physical aspect of implementing a cryptographic system, through this mode of operation or attack of the key compromise attack, attackers gather and analyze information from physical aspects of the blockchain network operation like timing information and power consumption, with this information the attacker can determine or predict the combination of the cryptographic keys.

The side channel pose a very significant threat to the processes involved in the physical aspect of the application and implementation of cryptographic algorithms that is why we need address and mitigate this attack and to do this blockchain networks can simply employ noise generation techniques to obscure and confudeyany power consumption patterns.

CONCLUSION

Source

In conclusion, the key compromise attack is a very broad cryptographic attack, one that can be facilitated through many modes of operation and as I have discussed and explained in the above paragraphs and subheadings this different modes of operations can have very significant effects and consequences in the blockchain networks.