Thabiso Njoko

 In this episode of Unpacking Blockchain Technology , we explore one of the most critical components of blockchain: cryptography  — the invisible shield that protects digital data, ensures transaction integrity, and powers trustless systems. What Is Cryptography, and Why Does It Matter? At its core, cryptography is the science of secure communication. It converts data into a coded format that only authorized parties can understand. In the world of blockchain, cryptography ensures that: Transactions are secure and tamper-proof Identities are protected Data cannot be altered retroactively Without cryptography, blockchain as we know it simply wouldn’t work. Two Key Types of Cryptography in Blockchain 1. Hashing (e.g., SHA-256): Every piece of data in a blockchain is run through a hash function . This generates a fixed-length string of characters (the hash) that acts like a digital fingerprint. Even the slightest change to the data produces a completely different hash, ensuring data i...

In today’s digital world, we often interact with systems that fall into one of two categories: centralized or decentralized. In Episode 5 of Unpacking Blockchain Technology with Thabiso Njoko , we take a deep dive into the meaning, structure, and impact of these two opposing system designs. Understanding the difference is fundamental to grasping why blockchain technology is so revolutionary. What Is a Centralized System? A centralized system operates under the control of a single authority or a tightly managed hierarchy. Most traditional institutions like banks, governments, social media platforms, and corporations run on centralized systems. This means all decisions, data storage, and access permissions flow through a central server or administrator. While centralized systems are typically faster and easier to manage, they come with clear limitations. Chief among these are: Single Point of Failure: If the central server crashes, gets hacked, or becomes corrupt, the entire system can g...