Now that we know a little bit about the structure of a blockchain and its components, we can explore how a blockchain is managed and maintained. How is data checked for reliability and then put into blocks? What keeps the network running? The answer to all of these questions is a process known as “mining”.

Since a copy of the blockchain is stored on each computer on the network, data can be retrieved relatively easily and quickly. This allows nodes on the network to act as reliable validators. These nodes are tasked with checking the reliability of information when a new block is being compiled by a block producer, the node selected to compile the next block. This process is also known as reaching consensus or mining.

PROOF-OF-WORK

The first blockchains used Proof-of-Work as a way to achieve consensus. Blocks go through a complex, energy consuming process of trial and error when they are trying to create a new, sufficiently random hash. In order to do this, nodes try to be the first to guess a value that meets specific criteria. The time and effort expended by these computers act as proof that they put in sufficient work needed to help maintain the network, and is appropriately known as Proof-of-Work. The miner that solves the equation that results in the creation of a block receives a reward in the form of cryptocurency, creating an economic incentive for users to mine blocks. Block rewards also act as an incentive for miners to contribute to the security of the system. The higher the blockchain’s hash rate, the more secure the chain will be. The more processing power a miner has, the more likely they are to solve the next block and receive the block reward as they are able to attempt to guess the most variables in the least amount of time.

While Proof-of-Work was the first consensus mechanism used by a blockchain, many have criticized its main feature as a downfall. Massive amounts of energy are consumed in order to secure a blockchain, so others have explored ways to have a secure blockchain without expending massive amounts of energy. New coins are constantly being mined, the number depending on the specific blockchain’s rules or protocols. 

PROOF-OF-STAKE

Proof-of-Stake (PoS) has gained popularity as a potential alternative to Proof-of-Work by completely disregarding the “race” to find a specific variable. Instead, a node is selected to write the next block. There are different ways of selecting validators within Proof-of-Stake models, but the most common selection method is proportional to the amount of cryptocurrency staked. In other words, the more cryptocurrency that is staked by a node, the more likely that node is to be selected as the next block’s creator.

The theory behind Proof-of-Stake is that the more cryptocurrency one is willing to stake, the more stake that an individual has in the success of the network. If that individual is found to be sabotaging the consensus process, their stake is taken by the network, giving block producers great incentive to correctly validate the next block. Validators essentially bet cryptocurrency for the right to write a block. In return, they collect either a block reward and/or transaction fees. The collection of fees are an incentive for validators to stake their own currency, making sure validators have “skin in the game”, or money to lose if they are found to be acting maliciously. This threat of losing your cryptocurrency helps ensure the security of the network, as it highly discourages actions that might compromise the blockchain. However, it is not always possible to tell if a user is acting maliciously or a validator is just not participating when they are supposed to. Sabotaging the blockchain is very different than not being able to validate a node because of a lost internet connection. As a result, those who commit these non-malicious errors are often given warnings or “fined” instead of having their entire stake taken on the first transgression.v

Proof-of-Work has its advantages over Proof-of-Stake. Proof-of-Work consensus mechanisms are completely trustless, as adding to the blockchain does not require a single validator to write the next block. Additionally, trust is amplified by each node’s ability to monitor the others, constantly monitoring the network for inconsistencies. No one individual has to be trusted for a block to be confirmed since all nodes are double checking the validity of a block’s data when it has been formed.

Proof-of-Stake also has specific criticisms. Validators are arbitrarily selected, and a certain degree of trust must be assumed in order for the network to run. In order to gain a stake in the network, a potential participant has to obtain the required coins or tokens in order to be eligible to be selected as a validator. Additionally, if validators are selected by the size of their stake, the ecosystem puts itself in a situation where the rich have the disproportionate opportunity to be selected as a validator and collect rewards, allowing them to stake even more, repeating the process. Essentially, the rich can get richer over time.

To summarize, mining is the process of creating blocks made up of valid transactions. Essentially, it is the process in which nodes come to a consensus on what transactions are to be accepted.

The process of creating a block differs with each blockchain, but the most common mechanisms to achieve consensus are Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake. Proof-of-Work pits miners against each other in a race to see who can find a compatible variable the fastest, creating a competitive and secure network. Proof-of-Stake selects between users who have “staked” cryptocurrency; if the user acts maliciously, they are warned and their stake is taken. If the selected validator writes a reliable block, they obtain the block reward. There are multiple ways of blockchains in which blockchains reach consensus and both existing and new projects are inventing unique consensus mechanisms.  

Now that we know how cryptocurrency is mined, let's look at some potential attacks methods that could disrupt this process and how blockchains look to mitigate these attacks.