自计算机发明以来，世界已经发生了巨大变化。随着互联网的兴起，在家工作和数字货币，其他技术已经发挥作用。这些技术之一是区块链。什么是区块链，如何影响您的业务？

什么是区块链？

Computer databases are digital storage systems. So, what is blockchain technology? Blockchain technology is a form of computer database designed to decentralize and secure electronic data security. The new database form is unique because its design allows for security without using another trusted third party. And, the way it stores information is different from standard databases.

How does a standard computer database work? Generally, a standard database (aka a centralized database) puts data into a structured format, like a table on a spreadsheet. The database lists related information in tables and rows, and each row is called a record. The record includes data about a person, place, or thing (e.g., customers). Then, a third party typically encrypts that information.

那么，区块链与标准数据库有何不同？而且，区块链如何工作？区块链将数据存储在大量信息（即块）中。一旦块填充了数据，该框就将其锁定并链接到新块，其中存储了更多信息。而且，它按时间顺序存储每个添加的信息。

将区块链视为包装盒。您可以用物品填充盒子，填充时将其关闭，然后在顶部放一个新的空盒子以开始填充。但是，一旦盒子被密封，您就无法更改，更改或破坏该盒子中的任何东西。

集中式与分散数据库

同样，标准数据库是集中的。这意味着什么？集中式数据库意味着一台台式机，服务器或大型机计算机将所有电子数据保存在中心位置。因此，一个人或公司控制包含数据的大型机。企业可能拥有自己的中央服务器，其中包含公司在一个位置的所有信息。

By contrast, a blockchain is decentralized. The data held in the blockchain database is spread out among different networks, creating multiple copies of the information to ensure the accuracy of the information. This is why the information in a blockchain is irreversible and “locked” when the block is filled. Changing information in one copy of the blockchain does not change the information in other copies, so the information remains locked and permanent.

In a decentralized database, no one person or company controls the database. Instead, the database is spread across multiple sources to create a shared database.

How does blockchain protect data?

Blockchain tech does not rely on trusted third parties to protect the data in a database. Instead, the blockchain uses the technology’s decentralized nature to protect the data.

In a standard database, a computer virus can infect the entire server because the information is stored in one area. A computer hacker can unleash a virus, worm, or another type of malware into the computer system to corrupt or delete data. If this happens, the information is lost. Or, you could spend a lot of time trying to recover the data.

通常，集中式服务器是数据的唯一副本。在这种情况下，由于恶意软件而丢失数据可能会导致灾难。

使用区块链，数据分布在多个来源上。一个副本的更改不会更改其他副本。而且，该算法可以快速将更改定位为一个副本。因此，如果黑客试图使用病毒在一个区块链中销毁数据，则不会丢失该信息。而且，如果某人在链的一个块中改变了信息，则原始数据不会随之变化，因此算法可以快速找到更改的位置。

The process of creating copies has an added benefit. There is an established timeline and order of events in the blockchain. So, users can identifywhenthe change took place, too.

Other benefits of blockchain

除了增加数据安全性外，区块链还提供其他好处。区块链技术通过依靠计算机而不是人类参与来提高验证的准确性。而且，技术可以降低一些成本，因为不需要第三方验证。

Blockchain also allows for faster financial transactions because the data is spread out. Rather than waiting for one central database to process the information, the shared blockchain allows you to process information faster.

Common uses of blockchain

区块链不是数字景观中的新概念。但是，由于其多种用途，它变得越来越流行。例如，比特币是一种加密货币的一种形式，于2009年开始使用区块链来保护用户的财务交易。

Now, other digital industries use blockchain, including:

• 加密货币
• 聪明的合同(例如,buyer-seller agreements written into lines of software code)
• Decentralized finance (DeFi) applications
• 无杀菌令牌（NFTS），也称为加密资产

If you use cryptocurrency or accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment in your business, your data from the exchange is stored in a blockchain.

Blockchain and business

So if blockchain is typically used for activities such as加密货币付款or transactions, how can you apply its use in your business? Most blockchain networks are public (e.g., Bitcoin). But, your business can create a private blockchain network run behind your corporate firewall.

You also can create a permissioned blockchain network to restrict who has access to and can participate in the network.

通过使用自己的区块链网络，您可以对客户信息进行加密，超出标准数据库存储以获得增加的安全性。

Keep in mind that blockchain can be an expensive system to maintain and monitor. But if your business requires the use of personal identifiable information (PII), it may be an expense to consider.

This is not intended as legal advice; for more information, please点击这里。