> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://davidjosearaujo.gitbook.io/online-courses/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://davidjosearaujo.gitbook.io/online-courses/blockchain-security/fundamentals-of-blockchain-security/inside-the-blockchain-hype.md).

# Inside the blockchain hype

Blockchain brings several features not available with traditional databases

* Decentralization
* Immutability

Blockchain is a technology that allows us to store and manage information in a special way. **It is like a digital ledger or a record book that keeps track of transactions or data**. What makes blockchain special is that it is decentralized, meaning that there is no central authority controlling it. Instead, **the information is stored on many different computers called nodes, and these nodes work together to verify and validate the information**.

**Think of it like a group of friends who want to keep track of their expenses. Instead of having one person in charge of the record book, they all have a copy of the book, and whenever someone spends money, they all update their copies.** This way, everyone has the same information, and it is difficult for someone to cheat or change the records without the others noticing.

However, it isn't a solution to every problem

* Blockchain doesn't apply to every possible use case
* Blockchain does not have potential security vulnerabilities
* Blockchain is currently in it's "dot com boom"

Understanding the security assumptions and vulnerabilities of the blockchain is essential to realistic risk assessment