Blockchain technology has transformed the way we handle digital transactions, promising security, transparency, and decentralisation. But even this “unbreakable” chain can have vulnerabilities. In her current book chapter, “Breaking the Chain: Penetration Testing for Blockchain Systems”, published in the book Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing in Cybersecurity, Dr Naga Sravanthi Puppala, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering explored how ethical hackers identify weaknesses in blockchain networks, from smart contract exploits to consensus-level attacks.

This chapter blends the thrill of cybersecurity with cutting-edge blockchain research, providing readers a roadmap to test, secure, and fortify blockchain systems in a practical, hands-on manner. The chapter bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, showing readers step-by-step how blockchain can be tested for weaknesses  from analysing smart contracts to simulating attacks on consensus mechanisms. It doesn’t just expose vulnerabilities; it emphasises the ethical responsibility of security professionals to protect users and systems from malicious actors.

What makes this work novel is that it combines hands-on penetration techniques with theoretical insights and real-world examples. Readers will gain a practical understanding of risk identification, mitigation strategies, and security best practices in blockchain ecosystems. It highlights not only the technical challenges but also the importance of proactive thinking in protecting critical digital infrastructures.