Authentication plays an extremely important role in cybersecurity. Put simply, it is the process of determining whether someone is actually who he declares himself to be. Most websites and other Internet services use usernames and passwords as a method of authentication. However, many people have weak passwords which can make it easier for hackers to gain unlawful access to important data.

Russia accounted for the majority of state-sponsored attacks over the past year, with the SolarWinds attackers dominating threat activity, according to Microsoft data.

Blockchain is best known as the innovative database technology that forms the foundation of almost all cryptocurrencies. It is an incorruptible, decentralized digital ledger. Blockchain stores sensitive data and publicly validates and distributes transactions in unalterable encrypted ledgers. It is decentralized, making it a fantastic instrument in banking and finance to make international payments, improve capital markets, and streamline trade finance deals. However, blockchain can be used across other industries for other purposes as well. Here are five of them.