Emerging Technologies

This chapter focuses on two topics that are closely related. The first topic is emerging technologies in networks and security, and the second topic is emerging technologies in blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts. Because blockchains rely on networking services to support their distributed functionality, all issues in networks and security systems directly influence blockchain services. Since all cryptocurrencies and smart contracts use blockchains, naturally, the vulnerabilities in networks and blockchains all become the vulnerabilities of cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. However, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts have additional security issues that need to be considered based on their special system architecture and operating mechanism. One common factor to consider is the significant advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and modeling technologies. Chapter 2 introduced the three most powerful state-of-the-art AI technologies, which are, Deep Reinforcement Learning, Generative AI, and Federated Learning. In addition, Chap. 2 introduces the most advanced modeling, emulation, and simulation technology, Digital Twin. These emerging technologies have the potential to strengthen the security level of networks and blockchains. On the other hand, these advanced AI technologies will also be used to conduct automated cyberattacks to networks and blockchains. Examples of security issues in networks and blockchains are described in this chapter.