News

Validators Create New Attack Vectors for Decentralized Systems

Published

6 years ago

February 24, 2019

Pascal Thellman is CMO at Bounty0x, a simple service for earning crypto, and an advisor at PolyGrowth, a crypto PR firm.

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As proof-of-stake (PoS) networks gear up in an effort to compete with proof-of-work (PoW) blockchains, significant attention has been placed on their validator mechanisms and incentive structures for maintaining valid consensus.

In particular, ethereum has been brewing the development milestones for its transition to PoS consensus as part of its ‘Serenity’ upgrade for several years.

Binance recently released the details of its upcoming ‘decentralized’ exchange which will rely upon 11 validator nodes – all controlled by Binance – for confirming transactions on the exchange. The company has since come under fire for even calling their exchange decentralized and has gone on the defensive.

Interchain projects like Cosmos and Polkadot are gaining traction among proponents of interoperability and fast-finality consensus blockchains using Tendermint BFT and DPoS consensus models, respectively. And Cosmos is preparing for the launch of its mainnet Cosmos Hub soon. While PoS cryptocurrency networks offer better energy efficiency and faster finality than PoW, they have yet to be proven at scale and come with myriad concerns in various attack vectors and misaligned incentives.

Further, though most interchain blockchain projects focus on using validators for their network consensus, others have maintained the emphasis on using PoW via nuanced approaches. Block Collider uses an optimized version of Nakamoto Consensus for an interoperable chain of several blockchains without the need to change its security model to that of PoS or using validating nodes.

PoW is the battle-tested and sustainable consensus algorithm that bitcoin launched an entire industry with, so it is necessary to assess some of the potential quandaries with the rapid onset of PoS cryptocurrency networks.

The myriad forms of validating

Networks that deploy validator mechanisms in their consensus use a variety of names – from “hubs” to “masternodes.” However, they all employ similar design models where validators guarantee the valid state of the network by “validating” or “producing” blocks in frequencies that correlate to their stake of the native token in the network.

Validators replace the role of miners in a PoW blockchain network and are incentivized to act honestly within the system because their stake is locked into the network while they perform their task. They are rewarded in the native token of the network for authentic validating efforts, and their stakes are slashed if they act maliciously.

If you’re looking for a deep dive into the mechanics of PoS validating systems, Vitalik Buterin provides clarification on ethereum’s CBC Casper (PoS) mechanism and an initial design philosophy for PoS. Similarly, Cosmos provides some useful developer documentation for how their interchain validating works.

PoS mechanisms are exceptionally complex because they require advanced game theoretic approaches and their immutability is subjectively interpreted. The source of the validation of the blockchain ledger derives from validator assurances of its integrity, rather than energy expended via mining where the cardinal attack vector is energy itself rather than human interpretation — an ideal social scalability construct for minimizing trust.

Additionally, many interchain frameworks require compatibility of blockchains that are plugging into the network. For instance, Cosmos requires subchains that use fast-finality consensus, precluding the ability of PoW blockchains to connect to the network.

Properly analyzing some of the pitfalls of validator networks requires focusing on two primary areas:

Attacks vectors
Misaligned incentives

The leading concern of validator networks is their trade-off of scalability for security.

Cost savings via PoS networks and quicker finality that help the network scale come at an equal cost in long-term network integrity, which is one of the fundamental value propositions of blockchains.

Attack vectors

The misaligned incentives of validator networks often directly correspond to the attack vectors that require complicated engineering around to avoid. Two of the long-standing issues with validator consensus are the attack vectors of Long-Range Attacks and Sour Milk Attacks.

Long-Range Attacks (LRA)

An LRA is where a malicious party could purchase the private key of a sizeable token balance that was used in validating in the past. The party could then wield this balance to generate an alternative history of the blockchain from when the private key held the balance, effectively enabling them to award themselves increasing rewards based on the PoS validation.

The proposed solution to this problem is checkpointing, but checkpointing the state of the chain requires nodes continually be online and has been criticized as a complex and centralized solution. Moreover, LRAs demonstrate that in the long-run, PoS validator networks fail to guarantee the validity of the ledger – particularly in past states of the blockchain.

The result is that validator networks are not creating a permanent, immutable ledger with their consensus, but rather only a “temporary consensus” within a given context of time.

Sour Milk Attacks

A sour milk attack is where base validators push their peers to doubt honest peers by publishing genuine and fraudulent blocks to peers concurrently. At the same time, these base nodes coordinate with other malicious peers to do the same, muddling the ability of honest peers to discern between valid and invalid blocks.

The requirements for conducting these attacks are concerningly low, as only a fraction of the network validators can effectively freeze the network, create forks and lock the consensus.

Other attack vectors

Some other prominent attack vectors for PoS validating networks include the “Fake Stake attack,” stake grinding and DDOS attacks against validators that are required to remain online — forcing them to lose money.

In particular, the fake stake attack reveals that PoS validating is not as efficient at scaling as perceived, due to the higher costs of checking PoS blockchains compared to PoW blockchains. The attack vector was recently disclosed and would enable attackers with minimal stakes to crash nodes running the network’s software.

Misaligned incentives

One of the main concerns with validator networks is their potential for supplementing the wealth of the “crypto 1 percent” where only validators with significant stakes will reap the rewards of staking. With the wealthiest stakeholders able to control a sizeable portion of the overall supply, the incentive for average stakeholders to participate in validating is diminished.

Reduced incentives are inextricably linked to one of the most cited and high-profile pitfalls of validator networks — the low participation in staking by users. The downstream effects of low participation are network centralization, front-running trades with price cartels, and many more adverse consequences.

The game theory complexity of validator networks is also often criticized. To the hammers — engineers in game theory and incentive structures — everything in PoS consensus design looks like a nail. As such, the model becomes exceptionally convoluted and akin to engineering new solutions to problems that old solutions collaterally produced.

Further, misaligned incentives draw from the sheer complexity of such systems. In particular, the “Nothing at Stake Problem” is one of the foremost concerns of PoS validator networks. The Nothing at Stake problem is a well-documented issue in validator PoS networks where PoS consensus cannot adequately solve the problem of two blocks being produced at similar times.

PoW solves this via a randomized mechanism involving the most worked chain of energy expenditure. However, PoS passes this burden onto the validators, leading to one block potentially having more stake than the other. The problem materializes when validators realize that staking on two competing chains is advantageous to them. By using their stake on both chains, it becomes challenging to discern which chain is the valid chain.

Criticisms of proposed solutions to the Nothing at Stake problem again highlight the layers of abstraction needed to obfuscate the fundamental issue of staking without actually addressing the problem itself – leading to even more design convolution.

Conclusion

As networks that rely upon validators continue to garner support among next-generation blockchain platforms, it is prudent to place the new consensus designs into the context of practicality. PoW is the only proven distributed consensus for blockchain networks. Only time will tell if PoS validators prove sustainable models for scalable blockchains, and being aware of their shortcomings is the optimal approach in a sea of blockchain innovation.

Network image via Shutterstock

News

Certified Closers Review

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2025

Noelle Ferris

I didn’t grow up in a picture-perfect home. Love, for me, was inconsistent…sometimes loud, sometimes distant, but never stable.

So I became obsessed with understanding it. Not the Hollywood version. The real stuff.

I spent years studying relationships…how they form, how they break, and what it takes to build ones that actually last.

Eventually, I became the person people called after the breakup. After the third fight in a week. Or when they were about to give up on love entirely.

That turned into coaching.

At first, just a few clients. Then more.

Then hundreds of people, all through word of mouth.

I was the coach people referred when nothing else worked. And I was good. Really good.

But here’s what no one tells you…

Being a great coach doesn’t automatically make you a great business owner.

I was still doing it all..coaching, content, sales calls, admin.

And I realized I was the bottleneck in my own business.

If I didn’t fix it, I’d burn out.

And worse…I’d limit how many people I could help.

That’s when a friend introduced me to James Sansone from Certified Closers.

She said, “If you’re serious about scaling this… he’s the best guy on the block.”

And she wasn’t lying.

The “villain” in this part of my story?

It was outdated systems, messy offers, and me trying to juggle everything without a clear path to grow.

I knew my coaching changed lives.

But I didn’t have a business model that matched the impact I was making.

James Sansone and the Certified Closers team

From day one, they brought clarity, structure, and firepower to my vision.

Here’s what they did:

✅ Front-End Packaging:

They helped me niche down and build an offer so irresistible, my ideal clients felt like I was reading their mind. It wasn’t just a “coaching package” anymore…it was a solution they needed now.

✅ Paid Ads Management:

They ran Facebook and Instagram campaigns that didn’t just get likes—they brought in leads who were actually ready to change their lives. Every dollar spent started working smarter, not harder.

✅ Sales Process Optimization:

James refined my entire sales funnel. Every touchpoint, every follow-up, every conversation became intentional—and it showed in my conversion rates.

✅ Automation & Scaling:

They automated the parts of my business that were draining my time. From lead nurturing to follow-up sequences, we set systems in place that freed me up to focus on coaching.

✅ Removing Me from Daily Sales:

This was the biggest shift. James built a process that allowed me to step back from constant selling. Now, I’ve got a team in place and a system that converts—without me having to be on every single call.

✅ Training & Development:

He didn’t just set it and forget it…his team trained my people, equipped them with proven sales strategies, and helped us lock in a high-performance culture.

With Certified Closers by my side, I transitioned from “coach with a gift” to “coach with a movement.”

We hit record months.

I finally had time to breathe.

And most importantly…I was impacting more lives than ever before.

My calendar isn’t chaos anymore.

I have freedom, consistent income, and scalable growth.

But most importantly, I’m living in alignment…doing what I love, while letting a world-class team handle the growth engine behind the scenes.

You can be brilliant at what you do…

But if your systems are broken, you’re capping your impact.

James Sansone and Certified Closers didn’t just help me scale.

They gave me my mission back, with more power behind it.

Now, every Friday, I pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and look at our client success board.

It’s covered in wins.

And I smile, because I know:

This isn’t just a business anymore.

It’s a legacy.

If you’re a coach, expert, or visionary trying to scale your brand I would suggest to stop doing it alone.

Get in touch with James Sansone and the Certified Closers team.

They don’t just close leads.

They open doors you didn’t even know were possible. That’s all I am going to say!

News

Final Drive Motors: An Essential Guide for Optimal Performance

Published

1 year ago

February 29, 2024

Aron Paul

Final drive motors are pivotal components in the machinery world, powering a wide array of equipment from excavators and bulldozers to heavy-duty vehicles. These motors are the backbone of any machine, providing the necessary torque and speed control to execute tasks efficiently. Understanding their operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting is crucial for maximizing performance and extending the lifespan of your machinery.

Understanding the Mechanics of Final Drive Motors

Final drive motors are designed to convert hydraulic power into mechanical energy, which in turn drives the wheels or tracks of heavy machinery. They are composed of a hydraulic motor and a reduction gearbox, working in tandem to reduce high-speed, low-torque hydraulic flow into low-speed, high-torque mechanical power. This process is essential for the heavy lifting, digging, and pushing operations that such machinery is tasked with.

Key Components and Their Functions

Hydraulic Motor: Acts as the initial receiver of hydraulic energy, converting it into rotational force.
Reduction Gearbox: Decreases the rotational speed while simultaneously increasing the torque.
Sprocket: Transfers the mechanical energy to the tracks or wheels, propelling the machine forward or backward.

Selecting the Right Final Drive Motor for Your Machinery

Choosing the correct final drive motor involves understanding your machinery’s requirements, including weight, load capacity, and the specific tasks it will perform. Factors such as the motor’s torque output, speed specifications, and compatibility with your machinery’s hydraulic system are critical in making an informed decision.

Compatibility and Installation

Ensuring your final drive motor is compatible with your machine’s make and model is paramount. Incorrect installation or incompatible parts can lead to inefficient operation, increased wear, and potential failure. Professional installation and calibration are recommended to achieve optimal performance and longevity.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your final drive motor. This includes:

Routine Inspections: Regular checks for leaks, wear, and damage can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Oil Changes: Changing the hydraulic fluid and filter as recommended by the manufacturer helps maintain hydraulic integrity and performance.
Cleaning: Keeping the motor and its components clean from dirt and debris prevents overheating and wear.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with meticulous maintenance, final drive motors can encounter problems. Recognizing and addressing common issues promptly can save time and resources.

Leaks

Hydraulic fluid leaks are a frequent issue, often indicating worn seals or gaskets. Immediate attention is required to prevent further damage.

Noise

Unusual noises may signify internal wear or damage. A thorough inspection can identify the cause, whether it’s bearing failure or gear wear.

Reduced Performance

A drop in performance could be due to various factors, including hydraulic system issues, motor damage, or mechanical wear. Professional diagnostics are necessary to pinpoint and resolve the underlying cause.

The Future of Final Drive Motors

Advancements in technology are continuously shaping the development of final drive motors. Innovations in materials, design, and hydraulic systems are improving their efficiency, durability, and environmental impact. Staying informed about these advancements can help you make better decisions for your machinery and operations.

Conclusion

Final drive motors are indispensable components of heavy machinery, offering the power and control needed for various operations. Understanding their mechanics, ensuring proper selection and installation, and committing to regular maintenance can significantly enhance their performance and lifespan. By addressing any issues promptly and keeping abreast of technological advancements, machinery owners can ensure their equipment remains reliable and efficient for years to come.

Also check these: Best Final Drive Motor Suppliers

News

Rejuvenate CBD Gummies: Unlocking Natural Healing for Optimal Wellness

Published

2 years ago

May 26, 2023

Aron Paul

Rejuvenate CBD Gummies: Natural Solution for Health and Wellness

In a society where stress, pain, and a variety of health conditions are common, the search for a remedy that is both natural and effective becomes of the utmost importance. The Rejuvenate CBD Gummies have established themselves as a game-changing product by providing a novel strategy for maximizing one’s state of wellness. In this piece, we will go deeper into the extraordinary benefits and possibilities of Rejuvenate CBD Gummies, putting light on how they can alter your health and well-being. Rejuvenate CBD Gummies are a delicious way to get your daily dose of cannabidiol (CBD). Get ready to discover the hidden potential of natural remedies!

The Science Behind Rejuvenate CBD Gummies

Cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring chemical that is present in the hemp plant, was used in the formulation of Rejuvenate CBD Gummies. CBD has been shown to have an effect on the endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS. The ECS is a complex network of receptors that regulates a variety of human functions, including sleep, mood, the perception of pain, and immunological response. CBD has been shown to interact with the ECS. Rejuvenate CBD Gummies work to restore balance and harmony throughout the body by focusing on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

In contrast to conventional pharmaceuticals, which frequently focus on treating a single problem at a time, the comprehensive approach to wellbeing offered by Rejuvenate CBD Gummies. These gummies address numerous facets of health at the same time, so improving total health rather than merely relieving specific symptoms. These gummies act in concert to bring relief from a wide range of symptoms, from bodily aches and pains to mental strain and anxiety.

Natural Ingredients, Powerful Results

The natural components used in the production of Rejuvenate CBD Gummies are chosen with great care to ensure the product’s high level of purity and efficacy. The following are some of the major components:

Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract: This extract comes from hemp that was cultivated organically and is abundant in CBD as well as other cannabinoids that are good to the body. It is associated with a wide variety of health advantages, such as the alleviation of pain, the decrease of stress, and the promotion of general wellness.
Terpenes and Flavonoids: These naturally occurring chemicals are important contributors to the entourage effect, which boosts the efficacy of CBD. They complement one another to increase the therapeutic capacity of the Rejuvenate CBD Gummies, which in turn results in a greater number of benefits.
Natural Fruit Extracts: Natural fruit extracts are used in the production of Rejuvenate CBD Gummies, which allows for an explosion of scrumptious flavor. This assures that every bite will be a lovely and pleasurable experience for the consumer.

The Benefits of Rejuvenate CBD Gummies

Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction: CBD has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making Rejuvenate CBD Gummies an excellent choice for managing chronic pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Stress and Anxiety Management: By interacting with receptors in the brain linked to mood regulation, CBD helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Rejuvenate CBD Gummies can promote a sense of calmness and relaxation, supporting mental well-being.
Improved Sleep Quality: Many individuals struggle with sleep issues, whether it’s difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Rejuvenate CBD Gummies can help regulate sleep patterns, promoting restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity: CBD’s ability to interact with neurotransmitters can improve cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity. Rejuvenate CBD Gummies can support optimal brain performance, aiding in concentration and productivity.
Immune System Support: CBD has demonstrated promise as an immune system booster, one that can assist the body in protecting itself against infectious agents and in preserving overall health. You may find that including Rejuvenate CBD Gummies into your existing wellness routine is beneficial.

Choosing Rejuvenate CBD Gummies for Your Wellness Journey

It is absolutely necessary to place a high level of importance on quality and openness while selecting Rejuvenate CBD Gummies. Look for goods that come from trustworthy producers, have been tested in an independent lab to ensure their potency and purity, and include information that is understandable regarding the amount of CBD they contain. In addition, take into consideration your unique requirements and discuss the matter with a qualified medical practitioner in order to establish the proper dosage and use.