Secure Virtual Mining in Blockchain

Secure Virtual Mining in Blockchain

Glossary

Term DefinitionsDecentralized Blockchain Consensus Network (DBCN)A network of multiple nodes that work together in a decentralized manner to reach consensus in a blockchain. Mining Computing Entity (MCE)An entity responsible for performing mining operations, including creating new blocks and adding them to the blockchain. Trusted Execution Environment Computing Entity (TEE-CE)An entity that provides a secure environment for performing sensitive operations, such as signing or key management. Block InformationInformation related to a block in a blockchain, including block height, hash value of the previous block, and transaction data. Block Height InformationInformation indicating the location of a block in the blockchain, such as the block number. Missing Block Information refers to information about a block that has been confirmed by the blockchain network but has not yet been updated in the computing entity that performs the signature. Confirmed refers to a block that has been successfully added to the blockchain and accepted by the network. Signature RequestA request sent by an MCE to a TEE-CE to sign a new block. Last Signature RequestThe most recent signature request processed by a TEE-CE before the current signature request. Match indicates a successful comparison between two or more values ​​or parameters.

Short Answer Question

Please explain what a decentralized blockchain consensus network is.

A decentralized blockchain consensus network (DBCN) is a network of multiple nodes that work together in a decentralized manner to maintain a secure, immutable record of transactions. In a DBCN, there is no central authority controlling the network, and all nodes have the same rights and obligations.

What role does a mining computing entity (MCE) play in a blockchain network?

MCEs are responsible for creating new blocks and adding them to the blockchain. They compete to create new blocks by solving complex computational puzzles, a process called mining.

How does a trusted execution environment computing entity (TEE-CE) improve the security of a blockchain network?

TEE-CE provides an isolated, secure execution environment for performing sensitive operations, such as signing or key management. It prevents malware or unauthorized access from interfering with these operations, thereby improving the security of a blockchain network.

What is "block height information"? What role does it play in preventing blockchain forks?

Block height information refers to the position of a block in the blockchain, such as the block number. By verifying the block height information, TEE-CE can ensure that MCE can only mine on one branch, thus preventing the creation of multiple forks.

What is "missing block information"? What role does it play in the method proposed in this article?

Missing block information refers to block information that has been confirmed by the blockchain network but has not been updated by TEE-CE. In this method, MCE includes the missing block information in the signature request so that TEE-CE can verify whether MCE is mining on the correct branch.

Explain the meaning of the word "match" in this context.

In this context, "match" means that TEE-CE compares the block height information in the current signature request with the block height information in the previous signature request. If the difference between the two meets the preset conditions, it is judged as "matched".

Why is it important to broadcast new blocks to the network?

Broadcasting new blocks to the network allows all nodes in the network to receive the new block information and update their respective copies of the blockchain, thereby ensuring the consistency of the entire network data.

What are the advantages of using TEE-CE as part of MCE?

Including TEE-CE as part of MCE can reduce communication overhead and increase processing speed, because MCE does not need to communicate with external TEE-CE to complete the signing operation.

In the provided materials, what mechanism can prevent miners from switching forks?

In the provided materials, miners can be prevented from switching forks by including summary information of all confirmed blocks in the block signature. If a miner attempts to mine on a new fork, the block signature it generates will not match the previous block and will be rejected by the network.

What are the advantages of the method proposed in this paper compared with traditional virtual mining methods?

Traditional virtual mining methods can only prevent opportunistic attacks, but not targeted attacks designed to manipulate transactions. The method proposed in this paper can effectively prevent malicious nodes from performing double-spending attacks or manipulating transactions by utilizing secure hardware for block signing and verifying block height information.

Paper question

Detail how miners use "block height information" to prevent malicious actors from performing double-spending attacks in a decentralized blockchain consensus network.

Compare and contrast the pros and cons of using TEE-CE as part of MCE versus using it as a separate entity in the network.

Discuss how to choose a suitable "defined value" to verify block height information in practical applications to strike a balance between security and efficiency.

Analyze the effectiveness of the proposed method in resisting other types of blockchain attacks (such as 51% attacks).

Explore how to improve the proposed method in the future to further enhance the security, efficiency, and scalability of decentralized blockchain consensus networks.