Driven by the wave of digitalization, the intersection of Web2.0 and Web3.0 has become an inevitable trend. Gu Ronghui, co-founder of CertiK and professor of computer science at Columbia University, was invited by crypto.news to give an in-depth interpretation of the security threats brought about by the intersection of Web2.0 and Web3.0:
The birth of Web3.0 is seen as a ray of hope for building a safer and more transparent Internet. It aims to solve the long-standing privacy and data control problems in the centralized Web2.0 system. However, as Web3.0 develops, it often interacts with the Web2.0 network in dangerous ways; this interweaving of risks provides a breeding ground for new network security threats. If these potential problems are not controlled, they may undermine the security provided by Web3.0.
Although many technology enthusiasts are actively embracing Web3.0, in fact, the transition from Web2.0 to Web3.0 is not a smooth process without obstacles. In this process, newly emerging security vulnerabilities can be easily exploited by hackers and phishers. Therefore, in order to build a more secure digital ecosystem, Web3.0 first needs to pay attention to and solve the weak links left over from Web2.0.
Key vulnerabilities at the intersection of Web2.0 and Web3.0
Web2.0 and Web3.0 represent two completely different ways of processing Internet data. Web2.0 relies on centralized servers and data collection models, concentrating power in the hands of a few large companies. Web3.0, on the other hand, returns data ownership to users through the distributed accounting technology of blockchain, thereby decentralizing control.
However, the two systems are not completely independent, and many Web3.0 applications still rely on Web2.0 infrastructure, such as domain names, storage, and APIs. This dependency makes Web3.0 also have the centralized flaws of Web2.0. For example, Web3.0 platforms that use cloud service providers for off-chain storage may also be vulnerable to server vulnerabilities. Similarly, Web3.0 platforms with Web2.0 interfaces are also prone to phishing attacks and DNS hijacking.
Phishing Attacks: Web2.0 Flaws in a Web3.0 Environment
Phishing attacks have been a long-standing threat in the Web 2.0 environment. In Web 3.0, the attack method is basically similar: attackers imitate the interface of legitimate platforms to trick users into revealing private keys or signing malicious transactions.
These attacks exploit the flaws of Web2.0, tricking users into believing they are interacting with legitimate decentralized platforms through fake domain names and email scams. For example, phishing attacks against DeFi platforms may use fake Web2.0 websites to lure users and steal funds from their Web3.0 wallets. Therefore, the fusion of Web2.0 and Web3.0 provides criminals with the opportunity to combine traditional phishing attacks with new technologies, posing a serious threat to users who mistakenly believe that decentralization itself can provide comprehensive protection.
Web3.0’s Transparency and Decentralized Security Advantages
Despite the above risks, Web3.0 still brings hope for a safer Internet through its decentralized technology and transparent framework. The blockchain, as the backbone of Web3.0, is an immutable ledger that is far more tamper-proof than traditional Web2.0 databases. At the same time, smart contracts eliminate the need for third parties that may be attacked, and decentralized identity solutions allow users to control their own digital identities, effectively reducing the risk of phishing attacks.
In addition, the transparency of Web3.0 enables users to verify transactions and audit systems in real time, providing a level of security and accountability that is difficult to achieve in the opaque structure of Web2.0. By distributing control to multiple nodes, Web3.0 reduces the risk of large-scale data breaches that are common in centralized systems.
Accelerate the application process of Web3.0 and reduce network security risks
In order to reduce the new security risks brought about by the overlap of Web2.0 and Web3.0, the application of comprehensive decentralized systems must be accelerated. As long as Web3.0 still partially relies on Web2.0 infrastructure, it will continue to be subject to hybrid attacks that exploit the flaws of both systems.
The advantages of decentralized systems in enhancing security are obvious. For example, in the field of DeFi, users can trade directly without relying on third-party platforms, thereby reducing the risk of third-party vulnerability attacks. In addition, decentralized applications (Dapps) built on blockchain networks allow users to interact with the platform securely without logging in or avoiding centralized data storage.
However, to realize the full potential of Web 3.0, developers and industry leaders must commit to building decentralized infrastructure that runs independently of Web 2.0. This means investing in decentralized storage solutions, identity protocols, governance systems, and other related tracks. All of these efforts are aimed at reducing the inherent risks of current reliance on Web 2.0 to create a safer digital environment.
