Welcome back to another DevSpeak, where we decode the often confusing language of developers in a way that you can understand. Speaking of decoding, today we’re diving into a concept that is entirely ubiquitous in the web3 world… but not often understood. Today we’re diving into encryption!
If you’ve heard the term but are unsure what it really means, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what people mean when they say “encryption” and explore why it’s crucial for your digital safety.
Encryption, Defined
Encryption is a method of converting plain, readable information into a coded format that only authorized parties can decipher. If bad actors intercept your data, it’s gibberish to them without the proper cipher. Security measures use complex algorithms to ensure reliable encryption of information.
This isn’t just a process computers can do – you’ve probably encountered the idea of ciphers and code before in entertainment or history even if you don’t have super secret coded messages to send around.
You use a set of rules to replace each letter with another symbol or letter. To anyone who doesn’t know the code, the message looks like a jumble of symbols. But if you have the cipher, you can easily decode the message and read it as it was originally written. That’s the essence of encryption.
Remember these puzzles from newspapers? Classic encryption problems!
This is an old, old practice. In fact, one of the most classic examples of this is Cesarian Code, a method reportedly used by Julius Cesar to send coded messages to his legions.
In this method, you move each letter back three positions in the alphabet, revealing the true letters. While this method is obviously not secure after kicking around for 2100 years, there are many variations that are still used in manual ciphers today.
When the Fuzzles were lost in the wormhole in 2022, they used a slightly modified version of the Cesarian cipher to communicate with Earth! For extra security and interplanar transmission strength, they altered the amount of position offset and converted the entire message to binary.
Why Encryption
So, why is encryption so important? The primary reason is privacy and security. Every time you send an email, make an online purchase, or log into your bank account, your personal information is transmitted over the internet. Without encryption, this data could be intercepted and read by cybercriminals, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or other serious breaches of privacy.
Consider that when you shop online, for instance, you’re entering sensitive details like your credit card number and home address – that info is being sent from your computer to a server somewhere else, then probably to a datacenter in an entirely different location! If the website you’re using doesn’t employ encryption, those details could be easily stolen by someone who’s able to intercept the data transmission. Encryption ensures that even if someone tries to steal your information, it’s unreadable without the decryption key.
Encryption also plays a crucial role in securing communications between individuals and organizations. When you use messaging apps or email services that offer end-to-end encryption, only you and the intended recipients can read your messages – they aren’t accessible by any other party during transmission. This makes sure there’s confidentiality in conversations.
Not All Encryption is Equal
It’s important to know that not all encryption is created equal. In the most basic sense, there are two main types of encryption. Their effectiveness can vary based on how they’re implemented.
Symmetric Encryption: This method uses the same key for both encrypting and decrypting information. It’s like having a single key to lock and unlock a diary. It’s fast and efficient, but the main challenge is securely sharing the key between parties. If the key is intercepted, the encryption is useless.
Asymmetric Encryption: This method uses a pair of keys—a public key and a private key. The public key encrypts the information, while the private key decrypts it. This approach is like having a public lock that anyone can use to securely send you a message, but only you have the private key to unlock it. This method enhances security, especially in scenarios where secure key exchange is challenging.
Sound familiar? We dove into the details of symmetric vs asymmetric encryption in our second article in The Guardian Papers!
While encryption is a powerful tool, it’s not foolproof. The security of encrypted data depends on the strength of the encryption method, the management of encryption keys and the overall security practices you use to protect your data.
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In a world where our personal and professional lives are increasingly dependent on digital security, a basic understanding of encryption is more important than ever. Encryption is constantly protecting your activity every day!
Uh oh, did we leave the heading encrypted? Your first test begins!
The details of how encryption works can be complicated in practice, but the basic why and how of this practice are easy to understand. It’s about safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that only you and those you choose to share your information with can access your data.
Hopefully this DevSpeak gave you enough insight to not be totally lost the next time you go out on the town with your techy friends. We know that not everyone is or will be a tech expert, but understanding the basics of these concepts is important to not only use technology to its full potential, but also prepare you for the next wave of advancements!
Let’s all be ready for the world of tomorrow together!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our GalaChain TestNet, a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming an open-source blockchain. This new public testing environment allows external developers to deploy, test and refine their chaincode without any real-world consequences.
With more freedom to experiment with chain code, developers will enjoy a GalaChain environment that helps them realize their full potential in the web3 world, whether or not they have blockchain development experience. We want to elevate the work of veteran blockchain developers while ensuring that the first-time experience for new devs from the traditional web2 world is a good one.
What is a TestNet?
For those unfamiliar with blockchain terminology, a TestNet is essentially a sandbox environment where developers can experiment with new features and applications. It operates just like the real blockchain (known as the MainNet) but uses test tokens instead of real cryptocurrency. This allows developers to test and debug their projects in a safe space, ensuring everything works perfectly before going live on the MainNet.
In a future blog from our web3 explainer series, we’ll delve more deeply into TestNets, exploring their importance and providing some examples of testnets in action in the web3 world.
Accessing the TestNet
Are you ready to start building using the GalaChain TestNet? Get started through Gala Creators, following the steps below:
Deployment Chaincode from Docker Containers: Developers can now deploy their chaincode from Docker containers to the TestNet environment, enabling seamless integration and testing of applications.
Comprehensive API Access: Users can call the REST API to interact with their chaincode, ensuring full functionality and integration with existing systems.
Redeployment Capabilities: If a deployment fails, users can redeploy their chaincode effortlessly by passing the chaincode name in the command line, streamlining the testing process.
Chaincode Approval and Verification: To ensure security and integrity, chaincode deployment requires approval from GalaChain support, including Docker Image Tag and public keys for both the developer and the chaincode admin.
Accessible Testing Environment: The TestNet environment is designed to be user-friendly, with step-by-step guides to assist developers through the deployment process.
This TestNet launch is a crucial step in preparing GalaChain for a broader influx of external developers. By providing a secure and isolated environment for testing, we are fostering an ecosystem of innovation, enabling developers to create and refine applications that will power the decentralized future.
Why This Matters
The launch of the TestNet is more than a technical milestone; it’s a demonstration of our commitment to building an open and collaborative blockchain ecosystem that goes beyond entertainment into multiple world industries. GalaChain will empower countless developers to experiment and innovate freely, laying the groundwork for the robust applications that will define the next era of decentralized technology.
Join the Revolution
As we continue to expand and refine GalaChain, we invite developers from around the world to join us in this exciting journey.
Whether you’re an experienced developer looking to explore the new possibilities that come with web3, an visionary with an idea ready to change the world when paired with the right technology or an entrepreneur sitting on the next big wave in tech business, we want you to build on GalaChain.
Your creativity and ingenuity are the keys to unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology. Together, we will shape the future of digital interactions to create a more inclusive and decentralized world.
We look forward to seeing the innovative projects that will emerge and thrive from the release of this TestNet. Thank you for being part of the Gala community and for your continued support.
GALAthon has finally come to its close, but the innovations it spawned will continue to incubate and grow in the minds of their creators. For the past 24 hours, this event was the talk of the cryptosphere, presenting GalaChain to the world as a petri dish of innovation, collaboration, and groundbreaking developments in the blockchain world.
Before we all rest for a long nap, it’s time to ease the anticipation of the entire web3 ecosystem with the eagerly awaited announcement of our “Judges’ Favorites” winners.
A Showcase of Pioneering Talent
GALAthon brought together some of the brightest minds in the industry, giving hackers a chance to demonstrate their web3 prowess, game development and digital artistry. The diversity of projects submitted has been nothing short of remarkable, reflecting the vast potential and dynamic nature of the web.
The Role of Our Esteemed Judges
Our panel of judges has had the challenging task of evaluating these innovative projects. Their expertise and insights have been instrumental in identifying entries that not only showcase technical excellence but also embody the spirit of innovation and community engagement.
The Judges’ Favorites
The “Judges’ Favorites” segment of the GalaChain Hackathon is a much-anticipated moment, where each judge selects a project that resonates with them on a personal or professional level. These picks are not just endorsements of the projects’ current achievements but also a nod to their potential impact on the future of gaming, entertainment, and blockchain utility.
Without further preamble, let’s get into the Judges’ Favorites.
Left to right: Jason Brink, NFTD team, Team NoRest, Team Corgi AI3D Forever
3) Corgi AI3D Forever
With generative AI hot in the news, we were extraordinarily pleased to see an onsite entry with such promise that focused on generative AI using GalaChain.
This team successfully created the world’s first AI3D x LLM “AI Virtual Human” to be minted on a blockchain, and GalaChain is proud to have been that blockchain.
Basically, AI3D is a plan for a system that allows users to create and configure a 3D person that will “live forever on GalaChain.” Primary characteristics and programming for your AI can actually be stored on GalaChain with UUID (Universally Unique Identifiers), ensuring the permanence (immortality) of your AI companion.
AI3D essentially bridges the gap between Large Language Models and the blockchain ledger, allowing users to input commands and iterations for their AI that are digested and remembered by the blockchain.
While we don’t have much to share, hopefully we will see a lot more from this San Francisco based development team, pushing the limits and possibilities of generative AI in blockchain tech. Well done!
2) Team NoRest: RESTful API for GalaChain
Team NoRest clinches second place by introducing a transformative RESTful API for GalaChain. This open-source project simplifies interactions with GalaChain, offering functionalities like token balance checks, token grants and automatic minting on startup. Designed to make blockchain more accessible, Team NoRest’s API lowers barriers for developers eager to explore GalaChain’s capabilities.
Key Features and Future Vision: Beyond its current offerings, Team NoRest outlines future enhancements including user registration for custodial wallets and extended token contract functionalities. Their focus on ease of use, with a “Plug n’ Play” approach, promises a user-friendly ecosystem that invites more developers to innovate on GalaChain.
Team NoRest’s project is a notable step towards bridging traditional web technologies with the blockchain, significantly expanding GalaChain’s potential applications. Congratulations to Team NoRest for their pioneering work and for setting new standards in blockchain accessibility and developer engagement!
1) NFTD
The overall Judges’ Favorite winner is a gaming project built by well-known members of the Gala community, collectors of Gala Games NFTs from way back.
Beautifully demonstrating interoperability with existing GalaChain NFTs, the team created a fully playable alpha playtest build for their aptly named game, Non-Fungible Tower Defence.
In addition to designing and GalaChain integrating a well planned and brilliantly executed playable project, this team presented a comprehensive and transparent slideshow presentation, complete with animated slides and aesthetic appeal. To learn more about Non-Fungible Tower Defence, check out their presentation HERE.
Incredible job to Deadily, Timboslice and Cryptograham for an extraordinary effort at GALAthon. Thanks for participating, and we hope the prize will empower your team to greater heights and innovations in web3 than you imagined!
After closing this important chapter of Gala history, we reflect on the incredible journey of discovery, growth and innovation that this event represents. GALAthon may be over, but the ripple effects of the projects showcased and the connections formed will be felt long into the future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and a special word of thanks to our judges, whose contributions have been invaluable.
Announcements about additional winners as outlined in this blog will come within the next couple weeks, as the GalaChain team has time to examine and evaluate the multitude of remote entries.
Thanks for your participation! Let’s do it again soon.
As we continue to unveil the panel of judges for the GalaChain Hackathon at GDC 2024, we are honored to introduce Moshe Shen – the Business Development and Partnership Director at Wintermute!
Wintermute is a leading global algorithmic trading firm and liquidity provider in digital assets. Moshe is in charge of expanding Wintermute’s footprint in Asia, where the demand for digital assets is rapidly increasing. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the judging team for the GalaChain Hackathon!
Moshe Shen: A Decade of Experience in Capital Markets with a Focus on Growth
With a solid decade of experience in financial markets and derivatives, Moshe has a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency ecosystem and the specific needs of its various participants. At Wintermute, Moshe focuses on regional growth across liquidity provision, OTC trading, and venture investments in Web3 projects, leveraging his expertise in both centralized and decentralized finance.
A Unique Lens on Innovation
Moshe’s expertise in liquidity provision and digital asset market structure offers a unique perspective on the potential applications of any new blockchain technology. His role requires a keen understanding of market dynamics, market sociology and the technological underpinnings that facilitate efficient digital transactions. This background makes him an ideal judge to view GalaChain Hackathon entries through a unique lens – one that values technical sophistication, market impact, and innovation in digital finance.
What Moshe Looks for in a Winning Entry
Given Moshe’s focus on market efficiency and liquidity, it’s likely that he’s looking out for projects that:
Enhance Market Infrastructure: Projects that aim to improve the underlying infrastructure of digital markets will stand out. Innovations that improve trading efficiency, or present effective liquidity solutions are all very close to home for Moshe.
Offer scalable infrastructure: Moshe is likely to be drawn to projects demonstrating the ability to grow and adapt to the changing needs of the market, ensuring consistent and equitable access for all participants.
Innovate in Financial Technologies: Moshe will potentially gravitate toward projects that push the boundaries of financial technology – especially those that leverage GalaChain to introduce new financial instruments or trading mechanisms.
The Future of Digital Markets with Moshe Shen
Moshe’s participation as a judge underscores the GalaChain Hackathon’s commitment to pioneering advancements in web3 and digital markets. His deep understanding of financial markets and technical aspects of algorithmic trading should guide participants toward creating projects that are not just innovative but also pragmatic and impactful to the future of digital assets.
As we gear up for this groundbreaking event, let Moshe’s contributions to the world of digital finance inspire you to envision new possibilities for blockchain technology.
This hackathon is not just a competition… it can easily be a launchpad for the next generation of financial technologies that harness the power of GalaChain! What will you build?
Web3 is a tech space, but it contains so much more. As we innovate within the scope of blockchain, it’s absolutely crucial to hear voices that not only understand the tech side, but also bring a well-rounded and creative perspective to the table.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Snoop Dogg as one of the judges for GALAthon, the upcoming GalaChain Hackathon during GDC 2024!
A true renaissance man, Snoop Dogg spent decades weaving his legacy into the fabric of music and entertainment. He was an early adopter of web3 entertainment, always working at the cutting edge of blockchain technology.
Hackathon time. I wanna c what yall build. Hopin for a new game, educational tool for children or somethin new with my music 👏🏿 🔥 💻 📱 👊🏿https://t.co/PFJiQaHnpm
Snoop Dogg is synonymous with musical innovation and cultural influence the world over. He has grown beyond even his role as a global superstar over the past few years to become a key figure in the web3 space.
His collaboration with us on Gala Music wasn’t his only foray into the world of web3, but it definitely spotlighted his versatility and highlighted his genuine interest and belief in the power of blockchain technology. His journey into this new frontier is marked by an enthusiastic embrace of NFTs and virtual experiences. Snoop is someone who understands the broader scope and potential influence of decentralized technology.
A Unique View on Innovation
Snoop Dogg’s involvement in web3 goes beyond mere participation – he has actively shaped the conversation around entertainment, art, and technology. His approach to innovations in the web3 world is characterized by a blend of creativity, community engagement and a unique sense of what captures the imagination of real people.
For the GalaChain Hackathon, Snoop’s criteria for a winning entry are likely to reflect these values.
The Next Big Thing
In a winning GalaChain Hackathon project, Snoop Dogg would likely be searching for innovation that transcends traditional boundaries between art and tech. He would appreciate projects that not only demonstrate technical proficiency and utility but also embody a strong sense of community and entertainment value. An ideal project might leverage GalaChain’s capabilities to offer immersive experiences. Perhaps it will integrate music, virtual spaces and social engagement in ways that we haven’t ever seen.
The Snoop Dogg Stamp of Approval
Winning over Snoop Dogg as a judge means impressing him with creativity, usability and perhaps most importantly, the fun factor. He knows the importance of delighting and engaging an audience, so projects that can capture the imagination while pushing the envelope of what’s possible within web3 will definitely stand out.
Think bold, think disruptive… and most of all, think about how to bring joy and connectivity to the community.
Join Us and Impress the Legends
Having Snoop Dogg on the judging panel is not just a testament to the GalaChain Hackathon’s prestige — it’s a challenge to all participants to dream bigger and dare to innovate. As we gear up for this exhilarating event, let Snoop Dogg’s journey beyond music icon to web3 pioneer inspire you to blend your technical skills with creativity and passion.
Stay tuned for more updates on the GalaChain Hackathon at GDC 2024, and prepare to show us (and Snoop!) what you’ve got. Let’s change the game together and forge the future of gaming on GalaChain. How will you build to transform the world?
