# Vulnerability of Finitely-long Blockchains in Securing Data

**Authors:** Yiming Jiang, Jiangfan Zhang  
**arXiv:** [2304.09965](https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.09965)  
**Date:** 2023-04-19  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2304.09965v1/

## Key points

- Authors Yiming Jiang and Jiangfan Zhang focus on the vulnerability of finitely-long blockchains in securing data exchanges within decentralized systems
- The study introduces a general model for finitely-long blockchains and assesses their susceptibility to double-spending attacks
- A formula is developed to calculate the probability of successfully executing a double-spending attack on a finitely-long blockchain, serving as an indicator of security breaches
- Finitely-long blockchains are found to be less vulnerable to double-spending attacks compared to infinitely-long ones
- They also exhibit greater resilience against 51% attacks that can disrupt or compromise blockchain networks
- The research provides valuable insights into the security implications of using finitely-long blockchains for data protection and exchange, paving the way for enhanced strategies to safeguard decentralized systems

## Summary

In their paper titled "Vulnerability of Finitely-long Blockchains in Securing Data," authors Yiming Jiang and Jiangfan Zhang explore the application of blockchain technology in securing data exchanges and storage within decentralized systems. Specifically, they focus on finitely-long blockchains used for time-sensitive tasks. The study introduces a general model for these blockchains, building upon existing research. The primary objective is to assess their vulnerability to double-spending attacks, a common threat in blockchain systems. For the first time, the authors develop a formula to calculate the probability of successfully executing such an attack on a finitely-long blockchain. This metric serves as an indicator of susceptibility to security breaches. Interestingly, the research reveals that finitely-long blockchains are less vulnerable to double-spending attacks compared to infinitely-long ones. The analysis also shows that they have greater resilience against 51% attacks which can disrupt or compromise blockchain networks. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the security implications of using finitely-long blockchains for data protection and exchange in various applications. By highlighting their vulnerabilities and strengths compared to infinitely-long blockchains, it paves the way for enhanced strategies to safeguard decentralized systems against malicious activities like double-spending attacks.