Network & Node Security Flashcards
7 cards from real Blockchain Technology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Network & Node Security flashcards as text
A light client trusts a single remote full node for blockchain data. What is the main security weakness?
Answer: The remote node can feed false data without verification
Relying on one server without proofs lets that server present a false chain view to the light client.
Which technique lets a light client verify data without trusting a single provider?
Answer: Merkle proofs against block headers from multiple sources
Merkle proofs verified against independently obtained headers let a light client confirm data authenticity.
What is the security purpose of checkpoint/weak-subjectivity sync for a node joining the network?
Answer: Anchor to a trusted recent state to resist long-range attacks
A trusted checkpoint prevents an attacker from convincing a fresh node to follow a fake long-range history.
An operator runs a node container with default Docker settings exposing the daemon socket. What is the risk?
Answer: Container escape and full host compromise
An exposed Docker socket can let an attacker break out of the container and control the host.
Why is regular backup of a validator's slashing-protection database important?
Answer: To safely restore without risking a double-sign
A current anti-slash database lets the validator recover without signing conflicting messages.
What does network segmentation between a node's signer and its public-facing peer process achieve?
Answer: Limits lateral movement if the public process is breached
Segmentation contains a compromise of the exposed component so it cannot directly reach the signer.
An operator wants assurance that downloaded node software is authentic. What should they verify?
Answer: Cryptographic signatures and checksums from the official source
Verifying signatures and hashes confirms the binary was not tampered with in transit.