Hive: Account Management System

1 yr
LeoFinance
6 Min Read
1258 words

We are embarking upon a very interesting time within the cryptocurrency world. There is a lot changing as we push closer to the time of mass adoption.

Before we arrive there, we have some things to work out. Obviously, infrastructure still needs building. There are holes in our base ecosystems, especially in the DeFi realm. At the same time, we must see a push towards the entire industry becoming easier to use. Right now, it is too difficult for the average person. Ultimately, they will end up frustrated and simply leave.


Source

For this reason, many believe one of the steps forward to the utilization is a simplified sign up process. We all know that the general public is unclear about keys and how they work. They are accustomed to a username/password world. If they lose the password, resetting it is what they want.

Obviously, this is not the case in crypto. Here the norm is if a key is lost, the account is gone.

A system based upon keys, if it does not scare people, is far too complex for them to even mess with. For this reason, they simply will move on. We saw this repeatedly over the years.

Hence, the idea of enabling people utility via Twitter, Facebook, or Google accounts. This is what the present Internet does so it is expected that is what should be duplicated.

From a growth perspective, this makes total sense. We do need to reduce the learning curve as much as possible, especially for social media applications. People are not going to spend hours trying to figure something out simply to engage with other users.

However, there is another perspective to consider. One of the areas of focus on a platform like Hive is the fact that one owns his or her account. With a key system, there is no way to close an account down. It is not owned nor controlled by the platform. This is a major concept that we have to consider further.

The Internet evolved into a system of gatekeepers. Like many traditional industries, there are a few powerful companies that positioned themselves as the guardians. In other words, if you want to pass through, permission is required. Fail to live up to what they want and one is at risk of not being allowed to participate.

This is something that is becoming obvious to people. Each time companies such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube go through their banning sprees, another set of individuals realize how they were ruled by these entities. Entire businesses that took years to build were wiped out in a matter of seconds.

We see the same thing with the financial aspect of things. PayPal is the prime example here. Want to engage in commerce online, it is likely that you will have to deal with this company. Just like the social media outfits, PayPal can cite violations of its ToS as a reason for account closure.

Both of these can have financial ramifications. Of course, the later is nothing but financial so the peril is evident right from the start. What if, however, we are rapidly embarking upon a time when the former is equally as dangerous.


Source

Yesterday I wrote about how Facebook is becoming a company that is even more perilous than we already know. Its foray into virtual reality via the Oculus brand is not healthy for individuals. When using these devices, one has to engage via a FB account. This puts people behind its wall.

Eventually, as the applications are expanded, there will be a wallet system tied to those accounts. The challenge with this is that Facebook is on control. Since one is behind their wall, anything in that wallet is subject to being lost if the account is banned. Here we see how the social media account became akin to PayPal.

Hopefully, people can see how uncertain this can be. So what is the solution?

When we look at Hive, one of the main features of the blockchain is account management. The base layer has this system built into it. Everything regarding the account is monitored and validated. Transactions are updated every block ensuring no double spend. Keys are also handled at this layer providing a trustless system.

The best part about this is that no account can be closed. Hive lacks the coding to shut down any account. Once an account is opened, as long as the key is not lost, it can be accessed. At the same time, whatever is in that wallet cannot be taken

As they say, Your keys, your coins.

Now let us expand this idea to the evolution of the Internet that is taking place right now. This will embark upon what people are terming "Web 3.0".

We are going to see more tokenization appearing. DeFi and NFTs, two areas of massive growth, are only going to get bigger. Over time, the applications integrating with cryptocurrency, wallets, and blockchains is only going to expand. This means people are going to have accounts that have PayPal characteristics more so than the traditional FB or Google. In other words, they contain monetary assets.

Here again, do we want this under the control of Facebook, Google, or Twitter? The answer becomes fairly obvious.

This is where Hive can step in. Unlike blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum, accounts are Hive are personal. They can be set us with a name the user creates. Instead of a string of numbers and letters, this is something that people are familiar with.

While having a key is radically different from what people know, it does provide the level of protection that does not exist presently. Each time we see a "Log in with Facebook", we are looking at a site or application that might not be accessible if the account is banned. Obviously, this extends to more than just to Facebook's ecosystem.

Perhaps we need to start focusing upon the idea of "Log in with Hive". This platform's account management system ensures that anyone using it will always be able to access whatever application or site is desired. Since the account cannot be closed, it will always be available to the individual.

This will also protect whatever assets are in the wallet system. Over the next couple years, this is going to become a much bigger point of emphasis. If the monetary value tied to accounts expands, people are at greater risk of loss if the major Internet outfits simply decide to close an account.

We know how important people's digital lives are. When a Twitter account is closed, for example, that individual's digital history vanishes. It is as if he or she never existed. With the new technologies being created, this concept is only going to take upon larger meaning.

In other words, we become, in some ways, a part of the account. When that goes away, so does a part of us, at least from the online perspective.

This is a concept that few are considering at this point yet the ramifications are clear. As we march forward, if people do not control their accounts, they are in a bad position. Whatever they generate online is subject to the whims of someone else. This is very dangerous, especially if there is money tied to the account.

It is a point that everyone needs to start considering.


If you found this article informative, please give an upvote and rehive.

gif by @doze

screen_vision2025_1.png

logo by @st8z

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta


Somehow I feel like we need a workable system, I know most people fear the loss or their account as a result of misplacing their keys, somehow I think this fear will also be in the mind of anyone aiming to Invest big into hive, or what do you think?

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

2

I think those who invest big into Hive will make damn sure their keys are safe and in a place they can find them.

It is the average person I think is of greater worry. They are not going to take extra care if they are just signing up to a social media app or something. Yet as we know, over time, that can become worth a bit of money. That person suddenly has something to lose.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1

This i actually understandable I believe its something to ponder on, I know a lot of newbies that have lost their keys and ultimately they will need to create new accounts, it can actually be discouraging plus a lot of dormant accounts.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1

As long as there is very little in it, not the end of the world.

People will learn about keys and those who make a second account after losing their keys, will not do so again.

Experience can be a great teacher.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0
1 yr (edited)

I agree on this, I have taken it upon myself to tell new users to keep their keys as their accounts can be really valuable in years to come.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1

Thanks sharing🥰

0
1 yr

I used to think that there has to be some form of middle ground for this type of thing, but I am starting to think that there simply may not be. If people want to be able to use crypto and not have to worry about losing access or their account being locked, they are going to need to deal with keys. Allowing some form of Google SSO might bring a lot more users into the space, but it has the hazards that you mentioned above. I just don't know if we will ever see mass adoption if people aren't willing to be educated about keys.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

2

I think metamask/keychain, that's the compromise.
Store your keys physically somewhere difficult to get to; for emergency backup, and just set a password on your extension.
If you forget your password, you need to go do some digging.
Bit of a learning curve for newcomers, but short of multisig with a bunch of friends, there's not much else on the table.

3

Learning curve yes but compared to the option that exits with the centralized entities, a far better alternative.

I believe we will see more things like Metamask in the future. That is part of the infrastructure that needs development.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1
1 yr

I agree with that, but they need to make something that is easily useable for mobile. Right now it just doesn't exist. It works great in a desktop or laptop browser, but via mobile not so much. That will be game changing if they can get there.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

I do not really see how there is a middle ground around keys of some sort. Maybe there can be a new approach but the only thing I can think of is a reset with proof of personhood which means another verifying or something.

But who knows, many some developer out there has a sensational idea that is being worked on.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1
1 yr

Even if they could get something like Hive Keychain working on a mobile platform like someone else mentioned, that could be a step in the right direction. EOS wallets like Token Pocket kind of work that way currently for mobile devices.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

2

I thought Keychain is now on mobile. Am I mistaken?

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1
1 yr

It might be, I haven't messed around with it too much.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

Great sharing! i have lost my key before because of inactivity and i had to make this new account to be able to join back to the community. But to be honest, after steemit becomes hive, it feels a lot better. :D


Posted via proofofbrain.io

1

Yes we are a much different place than we were 14 months ago. We are just getting started also. In my view, there is a lot more to come that is exciting.

Glad you made it back, even with your new account. I hope there wasn't too much in the first one that you lost.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0
1 yr (edited)

When you get past the initial hurdle of using keys and a key manager (eg. Hive Keychain) + back up, it's actually quite easy and safe. The mindset shift is a hurdle, but once we're past it we are in a better place.

Has any major Steem/Hive user that we know of ever lost their keys? I know plenty of small accounts who registered and then forgot about it, to later not recover/remember, but I'm not aware of any large investor or long time Steem/Hive user doing so that we know of.

1

When you get past the initial hurdle of using keys and a key manager (eg. Hive Keychain) + back up, it's actually quite easy and safe. The mindset shift is a hurdle, but once we're past it we are in a better place.

Agreed. It is not brain surgery. Most can get it with a bit of concentration and it is well worth the time.

I am not sure large accounts. As stated above, if one invests a bunch of money, there is the likelihood that person will be very smart with the keys. It is likelier the smaller accounts.

The comment just above this one mentioned losing the keys.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

I can’t fathom my entering this environment to mimic what we despise. Yes, I’m on all those social media accounts. No, I never ever trust them with my livelihood. Now that HIVE exists, it should advance only with principles it was built on. I haven’t been on the blockchain long, but I could tell you what I wouldn’t want it to become.

3

I can’t fathom my entering this environment to mimic what we despise.

I agree yet look at how many enter this space yet mimic their behavior from before like flocking to a centralized platform to "chat".

Now that HIVE exists, it should advance only with principles it was built on.

I love seeing this. To me, that is why we are here. Those who focus upon just the money are missing the bigger picture. I am glad you see it and I look forward to engaging with you more.

Drop by @leomarkettalk and get to know us more. We are there each day.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

Thanks @taskmaster4450le - I will and I’m sure I’ll learn a bit there too. Happy Cinco de Mayo.

2

We try to educate. A lot of diverse topics so who knows what you will learn. You might be surprised.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

@taskmaster4450le you had me at Cryptomaniacs ✋🏽

0
1 yr (edited)

I agree to but you also have to agree a lot of normal people don't know of the hive and it's not easy to tell them where can you share your perspective on FB Twitter or youtube but they are stopping us from speaking it out

overall I agree with you


Posted via proofofbrain.io

4

Certainly I agree most people do not know about Hive. I think this is true even for those in crypto.

However, I think the tide will change when the killer DApp comes out. That is what will change things. I have a feeling if we see the @spknetwork soon, it will make a lot of noise very quickly.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0
1 yr

I think so too

0

Few understand the importance of having true ownership over your own account, with all its data, history, reputation, followers and, of course, funds. A central concept of Web 3.0 which we certainly can be emphasizing and advertising more. And it goes hand in hand with censorship resistance.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

2

Few understand it but I think it will become obvious going forward. This is something that is going to have huge financial implications are more money is floating around in app and games.

Web 3.0 is not going to be an easy transition for everyone.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1

Is it like HiveSigner?

1

Is what like Hivesigner?

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

The ecpsystem overall here is well regulated if you think about it
it is amazing
Everything around you is carefully and meticulously managed every post, every vote, every transaction

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1

Hive has social password recovery built in. There must be ways to improve I’ve upon it, making it more usable and easy to set up, etc.

Btw, holy crap there’s a Discord button floating over the comments now. Is that new?

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

2

What do you mean a discord button?

I dont seem to see that. What am I missing?

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

It's on the bottom right on the smartphone version of the site. Takes you to the Leo Discord server. At first I thought maybe it was a per account thing, which would be cool, I mean if anyone could have a link to their discord in their profile or hovering over comments.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

0

Well better password management would be required since most people just tend to reset their passwords whenever they forget. I tend to do that sometimes as well when I can't remember them and for some reason it wasn't saved somewhere. I think the entire system of keeping track of your private key and only using public keys would save people a lot of hassle but it would also take quite a while to get use to.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

4
1 yr

I do that a lot and it's normal for people to forget I just have printed all my hive key because there no way I'm gonna remember that all


Posted via proofofbrain.io

1

Yeah I am with you on that. I can never remember even what I set them to.

Pain in the ass. The only ones I dont change are the ones saved which is basically for bill paying.

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta

1
1 yr (edited)

If you keep your keys in a safe place hive can be the most secure way to keep your coins, if they are powered up of course; also they can be put to work by joining a curation trail. High security and decent rewards, I think that's a pretty good deal

Posted Using LeoFinance Beta