The Digital Asset Technology Guidebook - by David Utzke (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The author uses a metaphor from The Matrix to frame the book as a choice between remaining unaware (blue pill) or seeking deeper truths about distributed ledger technologies (red pill). They argue that much of the current understanding of "blockchain" is clouded by hype, groupthink, and a lack of historical knowledge. Drawing from over four decades of experience in cryptography, distributed computing, and digital assets, the author emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational technologies and the contributions of pioneers like Shannon, Lamport, and Merkle. The book aims to provide a historically grounded and technically accurate perspective, challenging superficial expertise and calling for informed, responsible advancement. The author sees this work as a way to pass on hard-earned knowledge and help readers avoid repeating the mistakes of the past"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Discover how distributed ledger technologies work under the hood and learn how to identify those that are actually cryptographically secured and decentralized

In The Digital Asset Technology Guidebook: Deciphering the Keys to Crypto, Blockchain, and Decentralized Finance, certified blockchain developer and a Vice President of Emerging Technology Integration and Cybersecurity, Dr. David Utzke, delivers an authoritative and well-organized discussion of how to understand the architectural components inside distributed ledgers. In other words, this book shows you how to understand the real-world risks of exploitation in digital assets minted in Layer 2 ("smart") contracts.

You'll learn how to identify the developer team behind specific contracts and determine whether cryptography actually exists as a component in the "crypto" asset. You'll also discover which technological features and capabilities are most likely to result in vulnerabilities to bad actors.

Inside the book:

• A taxonomical description of digital assets, as well as insights into hundreds of distributed ledger architectures
• A guide to identifying assets developed on non-distributed ledger platforms
• The technical information you need to confidently navigate the world of distributed ledger and blockchain technologies

Perfect for academics and researchers studying and teaching distributed ledger technology and digital asset coding and security, The Digital Asset Technology Guidebook is also a must-read for financial crime analysts, law enforcement personnel investing financial and cyber crimes, attorneys, investors, and fund analysts and managers.

From the Back Cover

Praise For THE DIGITAL ASSET TECHNOLOGY GUIDEBOOK

"This is an excellent introduction to the key architectural elements to consider in the practical design of a digital asset management system, focusing on security, compliance and governance... Dr. Utzke is a seasoned, pragmatic expert in both the mechanics of the technology as well as understanding of how to make a system bulletproof secure."
--MYRON S. KARASIK, MSEE, MBA, CPA, CMC (retired), A. Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, Marquis Who's Who; developed and deployed a number of innovative distributed processing systems, systems QA and security specialist

"Like most of the work I have read from Dr. Dave Utzke, upon reviewing Chapter 4 on 'Alternative Architectural Structures' in his text I found so many questions being answered. This book is necessary for anyone in the digital asset space. It will inform you on the specific applications of this technology and enlighten you to the many myths and mischaracterizations found in this space. Have you ever questioned the actual cryptography in cryptocurrency? You will get your answers here. You will likely be surprised, and once that surprise settles, you will be relieved you have this text to stop you from being wrong in the future. This will be your reference guide for everything in digital assets."
--ANGELO FLOIRAN, PhD, University Professor

"Dr. David Utzke has been incredibly valuable in contributing subject matter expertise to the ACFE's development of materials related to digital assets over the last 5 years, and I can't imagine a more knowledgeable authority when it comes to explaining in-depth technical or general guidance related to digital assets. He has enhanced many anti-fraud and other risk management professionals' understanding of this technology, which is one of the most important and impactful technology trends in the 21st century."
--MASON WILDER, CFE, Research Director, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

"In an industry filled with noise, Dr. Dave stands out for his unparalleled knowledge of crypto, and his ability to cut through complexity with clarity and wisdom. I'm thrilled that readers will now have access to the insights I've been fortunate to receive firsthand. Over our years of collaboration, he has been both mentor and friend--someone whose deep understanding of blockchain technology is matched only by his ability to convey thoughts and ideas clearly."
--GREG FAVITTA, COO, MyKey, Inc.

About the Author

DAVID UTZKE is a Distributed Ledger Digital Asset Engineer and AI Engineer serving as CEO/CTO of a research and development company integrating quantum resistant and cybersecurity components into enterprise systems. He's an expert in digital assets, XR, artificial intelligence technologies, economic game theory, and quantum cryptography. He has decades of experience in distributed ledger heuristic and forensic scientific methods.