Bridging the gap: Traditional Cyber Security vs Web3 Security and Smart Contract

Cybersecurity has long been built on principles such as confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA), and access control. However, blockchain technology introduces new paradigms—decentralization, immutability, and trustlessness—which present both opportunities and challenges for security professionals.

In this session, we will explore how traditional cybersecurity concepts apply to Web3 and where new approaches are required. Key topics include:
• Smart Contract Auditing: Unlike traditional applications, blockchain-based systems rely on immutable smart contracts that execute automatically. This makes security vulnerabilities, such as reentrancy attacks, integer overflows, and logic flaws, particularly dangerous. We’ll discuss best practices for smart contract auditing, common vulnerabilities, and tools like Slither, Mythril, and formal verification techniques.
• Decentralized Network Security: Unlike centralized systems, blockchain networks lack a single point of failure but introduce risks like Sybil attacks, 51% attacks, and front-running. We’ll examine how security experts adapt threat models to decentralized ecosystems, securing consensus mechanisms and protecting against economic exploits.
• Private Key & Wallet Security: Managing cryptographic keys is fundamental in Web3 security. We’ll cover best practices for securing private keys, multisig wallets, and the risks of phishing attacks, seed phrase leaks, and wallet drainers.
• Bridging Web2 and Web3 Security: Many blockchain applications still interact with traditional systems via APIs, oracles, and cross-chain bridges. These components introduce risks like data manipulation, centralized attack vectors, and vulnerabilities in smart contract interactions. We’ll discuss security frameworks for mitigating these risks.

Presentor Bio:

Alexander is a seasoned ethical hacker and cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience in the field of information security. He holds a BSc in Computer Engineering, an MSc in Information Security from Royal Holloway and, is OSCP and CBSP certified.

He is the founder of Rivanorth, a pioneering Australian cybersecurity company specialising in smart contract audits and Web3 security.

Join us to learn how security professionals are evolving their expertise to protect decentralized systems and ensure the integrity of blockchain applications.