Blockchain: between risk and opportunity

Blockchain is a technology that allows you to create and manage decentralized, secure and transparent databases that can store all types of information, from financial transactions to smart contracts. The blockchain is the basis of cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin or ether, which are digital currencies that can be sent and received without intermediaries, and that have revolutionized the world of finance, commerce and investment.

However, the blockchain also has its dark side, which is that it is fertile ground for scams, fraud and computer attacks. With the rise of cryptocurrencies, many scammers have taken advantage of investors' ignorance, greed, and delusion to deceive them and steal their money. Some of the most common methods scammers use are:
Identity theft: scammers pose as employees of exchange platforms, blockchain projects or official authorities, and contact victims by email, telephone or social networks, to ask for their access data, private keys or your recovery phrases, and thus access your accounts and empty them1
Phishing emails or websites: Scammers send fake emails pretending to be from exchange platforms, blockchain projects or official authorities, and containing links to fake websites that imitate the original ones, so that victims can enter your access data, your private keys or your recovery phrases, and thus steal your funds1
Fake investment proposals: Scammers offer victims the opportunity to invest in blockchain projects that promise high returns, but which in reality do not exist or are a scam. Scammers may ask victims to pay a fee, tax or deposit to access the investment, or to recruit other people to increase their profits. These scams usually take the form of Ponzi or pyramid schemes, which consist of paying the first investors with the money of the following, until the system collapses and the scammers disappear
These are just some of the most frequent scams that occur in the world of blockchain, but there are many more, such as fake job offers, fake donations, fake lotteries or fake applications. Therefore, it is important to be alert and follow a series of tips to avoid falling into these traps, such as:
Never share login details, private keys, or recovery phrases with anyone, not even someone who claims to be an employee of an exchange, blockchain project, or official authority. These data are personal and non-transferable, and no one should ask for them
Do not click on suspicious links that arrive by email, telephone or social networks, and always verify the address of the website being accessed, which must match the official one. It is also recommended to use an antivirus and an updated browser, which can detect and block phishing websites
Do not invest in blockchain projects that do not have a proven reputation, track record and transparency, and that promise too high or guaranteed returns. It is also recommended to thoroughly research the project, consult independent sources and compare opinions before making a decision

But not everything is negative in the world of blockchain, and there are also many projects that are legitimate, innovative and beneficial to society. These projects seek to take advantage of the advantages of blockchain, such as decentralization, security and transparency, to solve problems, improve processes and create value in various sectors, such as health, education, energy or culture. Some of the most interesting projects that are being developed in the blockchain are:

Cardano: is a blockchain platform that seeks to create a sustainable social and economic ecosystem that is scalable, interoperable and democratic. Cardano is based on a two-tier architecture, one that manages transactions and another that executes smart contracts, and uses a consensus algorithm called Ouroboros, which is more efficient and ecological than that of other platforms. Cardano is also distinguished by its scientific and academic approach, and its commitment to financial and social inclusion4
Solana: is a blockchain platform that seeks to offer a high-speed, high-scalability and low-cost solution for decentralized applications. Solana is based on a consensus mechanism called Proof of History, which uses an internal clock to order and validate transactions, and which allows it to achieve a throughput of more than 50,000 transactions per second, at a cost of less than a cent.
Decentraland: is a blockchain platform that allows you to create, explore and monetize virtual worlds. Decentraland is made up of a network of digital land plots, called LAND, that are owned by users and that can be customized with 3D content, games, art or applications. Decentraland also has a marketplace for virtual goods, called NFTs, that are unique and interchangeable, and a native currency, called MANA, which is used to buy and sell LAND and NFTs. Decentraland is a project that seeks to create a decentralized, open and participatory virtual reality.
These are just some of the projects that are being developed on the blockchain, but there are many more, such as Polkadot, Chainlink, Aave or Uniswap. These projects demonstrate the potential and diversity of blockchain, and the opportunities it offers for the progress and transformation of society.
Blockchain is a technology that has two sides: one of risk and the other of opportunity. On the one hand, the blockchain is fertile ground for scams, fraud and computer attacks, which take advantage of the ignorance, greed and illusion of investors to deceive them and steal their money. On the other hand, blockchain is fertile ground for legitimate, innovative and beneficial projects, which take advantage of the advantages of blockchain, such as decentralization, security and transparency, to solve problems, improve processes and create value in various sectors. Therefore, it is important to be alert and follow a series of tips to avoid falling into the traps of scammers, and be attentive and follow a series of criteria to support the projects of innovators. If you are interested in blockchain, we invite you to inform yourself, educate yourself and participate in this exciting world, which has both risk and opportunity.