{"id":543438,"date":"2023-01-25T16:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-25T13:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/"},"modified":"2023-01-25T16:15:00","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T13:15:00","slug":"why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/","title":{"rendered":"# Why less may be more when building Web3"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a40ed974d242\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a40ed974d242\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/#%E2%80%9D_Why_less_may_be_more_when_building_Web3_%E2%80%9C\" >&#8221; Why less may be more when building Web3 &#8220;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/#The_rise_and_fall_of_security_through_obscurity\" >The rise and fall of security through obscurity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/#The_staggering_growth_of_open-source_data_systems\" >The staggering growth of open-source data systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/#For_Web3_security_transparency_alone_is_not_enough\" >For Web3 security, transparency alone is not enough<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/#The_complexity_trap\" >The complexity trap<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\/#Keep_it_simple\" >Keep it simple<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9D_Why_less_may_be_more_when_building_Web3_%E2%80%9C\"><\/span>&#8221; Why less may be more when building Web3 &#8220;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cointelegraph.com\/images\/840_aHR0cHM6Ly9zMy5jb2ludGVsZWdyYXBoLmNvbS91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjMtMDEvMjNmYzMxOWMtOGZiNC00YzYyLWIwMmYtNWU0NGE3ZjI4ZjA5LmpwZw==.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-content\" data-v-5a4050f8>To build secure and resilient Web3 systems, transparency alone is not enough. By placing greater emphasis on simplicity, we can make the peer-review of code more effective and minimize security breaches in the Web3 space.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_rise_and_fall_of_security_through_obscurity\"><\/span><strong>The rise and fall of security through obscurity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We are used to the intuitive idea that security is somehow intertwined with secrecy. We keep our passwords secret and our valuables hidden. For decades, software engineers followed a similar <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>roach to cybersecurity. The source code of computer software was kept private. In the event of a vulnerability, a security patch would be released. This was and continues to be one view of security: \u201csecurity through obscurity\u201d and we have to trust the patches that are pushed \u2014 without our knowledge or consent \u2014 to our computers and phones will do what they are supposed to do.<\/p>\n<p>Proponents of open-source software took a radically different view. They argued that making code transparent and publicly available would mean developers could review and improve the code, and would have the incentives to do so. Under those conditions, security issues could be identified, corrected and peer-reviewed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_staggering_growth_of_open-source_data_systems\"><\/span><strong>The staggering growth of open-source data systems<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Since then, open-source software has gained broad market penetration. Although only a small percentage of users run Linux distributions on their PCs or laptops, in the background, it is quietly powering much of the internet. An <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zdnet.com\/home-and-office\/networking\/can-the-internet-exist-without-linux\/\">estimated<\/a> 96% of the million largest web servers globally run on Linux, which also <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developer.com\/news\/90-of-the-public-cloud-runs-on-linux\/\">powers<\/a> 90% of all cloud computing infrastructure. When you bring Android into the picture \u2014 the Linux fork <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/gs.statcounter.com\/os-market-share\/mobile\/worldwide\">running<\/a> on over 70% of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices globally \u2014 it\u2019s clear that the modern internet as we know it is massively influenced by open-source systems.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the pervasive presence of open-source code extends to Web3 too. Public blockchain networks, including both Bitcoin and Ethereum, often cite their open code roots.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Web3_security_transparency_alone_is_not_enough\"><\/span><strong>For Web3 security, transparency alone is not enough<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The problem is, more transparency does not necessarily ensure greater security. Sure, the popularity of Linux has done wonders for open-source code and has certainly improved its security. But are there really many eyes on blockchain code?<\/p>\n<p>In many respects, the scrutiny of open-source code is akin to a public good in economics. Like any publicly accessible resource like clean air or public infrastructure, everyone benefits from it. However, individual users may be tempted to use the resource without contributing to its maintenance costs. In this analogy, \u201cfree riding\u201d means using an existing codebase while assuming someone else will invest the effort and time to check it for vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Last year became known as the year of the cross-chain bridge hacks. Those hacks were clear warning signs that the sprawling and loosely coordinated development of an allegedly transparent Web3 still rests on a knife\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n<p>The upside of the Web3 development community is their eagerness to share, adopt and build. The downside is the potential for enormous damage from the free rider problem. By assuming others\u2019 solutions can be relied upon to mix and match, attack surfaces and smart contract dependencies become too difficult to track. A reasonable skeptic or late adopter might conclude this open source movement is not like the last: there are too few dedicated to making rigorous and diligent contributions while the rewards go to those who make the boldest and most impressive claims \u2014 whether the work can withstand scrutiny or not.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color: #fabf2c;padding: 20px 30px\">Join the community where you can transform the future. Cointelegraph Innovation Circle brings blockchain <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">technology<\/a> leaders together to connect, collaborate and publish.\u00a0<strong>Apply today<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_complexity_trap\"><\/span><strong>The complexity trap<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Complexity bias is a term <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/fs.blog\/complexity-bias\/\">used<\/a> to describe a logical fallacy whereby people overvalue the utility of complex concepts or solutions over simpler alternatives. At times, it is easy to be so dazzled by the apparent technical sophistication of a solution that we don\u2019t stop to question if there might be an easier way.<\/p>\n<p>Because blockchain is difficult to understand, it is easy to get excited about some idea, like a cross-chain bridge, and chalk up its difficulty to another level \u2014 let\u2019s call it \u201ccomplicated.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, most blockchain projects are not complicated \u2014 they are complex.<\/p>\n<p>According to Harvard Business Review, complicated systems <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2011\/09\/learning-to-live-with-complexity\">have<\/a> \u201cmany moving parts, but they operate in patterned ways.\u201d When you think about the electricity grid for a region, for instance, it is clearly very complicated and encompasses many constituent parts. Nevertheless, the parts of the system tend to act in predictable ways: When you flick on the light switch in your living room, you can expect to get light the vast majority of the time. If properly maintained, complicated systems can be highly reliable.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, complex systems are characterized by features that \u201cmay operate in patterned ways but whose interactions are continually changing.\u201d This interactivity makes complex systems more unpredictable. The degree of complexity of a system is determined by three key characteristics: the multiplicityor number of elements that interact, how interdependentthe elements are and the degree of diversity orheterogeneityamong them.<\/p>\n<p>In case it needs to be stated, nearly all bridges and cross-chain solutions are examples of highly complex systems. The losses in the 2022 <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/02\/02\/320-million-stolen-from-wormhole-bridge-linking-solana-and-ethereum.html\">Wormhole<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coinbase.com\/blog\/bsc-token-hub-compromise-investigation-and-analysis\">BSC <\/a>bridge hacks, $325 million and $568 million respectively, illustrate the relative rewards of taking advantage of an exploit instead of fixing it pre-emptively.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_it_simple\"><\/span><strong>Keep it simple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It feels as though Web3 ought to be complex. It is impossible to estimate the true scale and scope of new economic activity to come. Web3 values of individualism and economic inclusion suggest permutations and combinations that will grow as each person is born. Who knows what\u2019s ahead? Shouldn\u2019t we embrace complexity?<\/p>\n<p>Well, yes and no.<\/p>\n<p>The infrastructure for Web3 need not be unpredictable. In fact, like the electric grid, it would be better if it weren\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>For blockchain architecture to become more secure and genuinely transparent, we need to overcome some of the biases we have been led to believe. Before following the newest trend, perhaps we should examine the existing technical debt and aim for simplicity or, at most, complicated. It takes discipline to build for the ages \u2014 in this case, for Web3 and beyond.<\/p>\n<p><em>Stephanie So is CEO and co-founder of\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/geeq.io\/\">Geeq<\/a>, a no-smart contracts, multi-chain, Layer 0 platform. She is a microeconomist and policy analyst.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>This article was published through Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, a vetted organization of senior executives and experts in the blockchain technology industry who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Learn more about Cointelegraph Innovation Circle and see if you qualify to join<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/general\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">General category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/cointelegraph.com\/innovation-circle\/why-less-may-be-more-when-building-web3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8221; Why less may be more when building Web3 &#8220; To build secure and resilient Web3 systems, transparency alone is not enough. By placing greater emphasis on simplicity, we can make the peer-review of code more effective and minimize security breaches in the Web3 space. The rise and fall of security through obscurity We are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":543439,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/images.cointelegraph.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=90,width=1200\/https:\/\/s3.cointelegraph.com\/uploads\/2023-01\/23fc319c-8fb4-4c62-b02f-5e44a7f28f09.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-543438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/543438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=543438"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/543438\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/543439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=543438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=543438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=543438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}