The startup has developed a decentralized blockchain protocol for managing the registration, renewal, and transfer of DNS top-level domains (TLDs) using cryptographic keys. This technology prevents centralized control over domain names by implementing a coin-based system for name registration, ensuring equitable access for businesses.
Funding
$10.2M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The current Domain Name System (DNS) relies on centralized authorities, making it vulnerable to censorship, hacking, and corruption. This centralized control can lead to compromised SSL certificates, domain registration privacy issues, and susceptibility to DDoS attacks.
Solution
Handshake is a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol that aims to replace the root zone file, offering an alternative to existing Certificate Authorities and naming systems. It operates as a peer-to-peer system where each participant validates and manages the root DNS naming zone. By utilizing a blockchain, Handshake ensures secure and resilient domain name management, mitigating the risks associated with centralized control. The Handshake coin (HNS) is used for registration, transfer, and updating internet names through a transparent auction process, preventing sybil attacks and ensuring equitable access.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes individuals and organizations seeking a decentralized and secure alternative to traditional domain naming systems, as well as free and open-source software (FOSS) developers.
Features
- Decentralized, permissionless naming protocol secured by a peer-to-peer network
- Blockchain-based system for managing the root DNS naming zone
- Coin-based system (HNS) for name registration, transfer, and updates
- Transparent name auction process to prevent sybil attacks
- Support for secure "light clients" via simple payment verification (SPV)
- Compatibility with OpenSSH for storing SSH fingerprints in DNS
- Ability to verify TLS certificates by storing a hash of the SubjectPublicKeyInfo
- Integration with Carbon Browser through HNS gateway