Whitepaper: UKISS Ecosystem of Decentralised Security​

ABSTRACT

UKISS Technology is developing a digital ecosystem where users can easily self-authenticate across Web2 and Web3 applications with their private keys.

The ecosystem is designed for private keys secured with cold or hardware wallets, which generate and protect private keys offline. Users can disconnect their private keys from the internet when not in use, protecting them from 24/7 exposure to hackers. Cold wallets also ensure that the private key is generated by the user from the beginning and not stored in any centralised servers. 

The UKISS Decentralised Security Ecosystem will provide a basic infrastructure for users to manage and apply their private keys to Web2 and Web3 applications, allowing them to stay connected while maintaining digital sovereignty. The UKISS Ecosystem revolves around a simple plug-and-play process through UKISS Hugware®, a hardware wallet designed with a self-authenticating recovery procedure. By connecting the wallet to services across the ecosystem, users remain in control of their assets and data even without advanced cybersecurity knowledge.

UKISS Ecosystem June 2023

BACKGROUND

A new iteration of the world wide web is taking shape. Known as Web3, it incorporates the concept of decentralisation, cryptocurrencies, blockchain technologies, and token-based economics. Web3 allows users to have autonomy over their digital security and privacy using the private key, a unique cryptographic proof of the user’s identity and data on the web. As each user controls their own security, the distributed nature of Web3 becomes more secure than its existing counterpart, Web2.

 

What is Decentralised Security?

It is a modern approach to digital security where users control the safety and privacy of their assets and data using the private key. It is more secure than centralised security, where multiple digital identities rely on a single administrator to ensure they are safe from cyber threats.

 

What is a Private Key?

It is a unique string of characters that serve as cryptographic proof of a digital identity. The private key can unlock encrypted information and provide approval or authorisation related to the encrypted information’s contents. The holder must keep the private key secret or risk losing control of their digital identity, assets, and data.

PROBLEMS

Most digital users today rely on companies to ensure the security of their assets and personal data. This centralised management of assets and data has led to issues surrounding security, privacy, and rightful ownership. We elaborate on these, below:


 
Data breaches

There was a record number of 1,862 data breaches in 2021 that targeted companies protecting sensitive personal information. Attacking a centralised server is easier as hackers, who may be an insider, only need to perform a single attack instead of doing so multiple times across a distributed network. Thus, hackers are disincentivised from attacking a decentralised security system as it would be time-consuming and inefficient.


 
Loss of asset ownership

Most asset owners trust centralised institutions such as exchanges and banks to manage their assets. But many do not realise that by doing so, they are giving up control. In the middle of a crisis, such as a bankruptcy or war, asset managers can halt withdrawals for as long as they wish.

For example, centralised exchange Celsius halted asset withdrawals before its bankruptcy proceedings, while Russia’s central bank limited foreign cash withdrawals of its citizens amid the country’s war on Ukraine.


 
Loss of data privacy

Web2 companies provide services in exchange for personal data. As a result, most digital users give up personal information such as names, dates of birth and residential addresses to access web services such as e-commerce and social networking platforms. Big tech firms are also well-known for invading personal privacy by surveilling internet habits and profiting from user data. According to Market Research Future, the big data market is poised to reach nearly US$300 billion by 2030.


 
High cyber security costs for enterprises

Centralised security involves high costs. In recent years, cybersecurity spending grew among large financial institutions. Firms also face challenges in managing cybersecurity, including rapid changes in IT advancement and the lack of skilled cyber professionals.

SOLUTION: UKISS DECENTRALISED SECURITY ECOSYSTEM

With the UKISS Decentralised Security Ecosystem, users will have full custody of their private keys, assets, data, and digital identity when connecting to the web. Enterprises can continue to provide services to users while leveraging a safer, more cost-efficient decentralised security system.

The ecosystem’s infrastructure will comprise four main components, made up of 1. Self-Custody Private Key Wallet 2. UKISS Blockchain 3. DID-Enabled Protocol 4. Applications

UKISS Decentralised Security Ecosystem Infrastructure

1. Self-Custody Private Key Wallet

The UKISS ecosystem journey begins with generating the private key in the self-custody hardware wallet, UKISS Hugware®. Users will safely store their private keys in the hardware wallet and connect them to their mobile phone or computer when providing authentication and authorisation across various Web2 and Web3 applications that integrate with the ecosystem.

 

2. UKISS Blockchain

The UKISS ecosystem will reside on an interoperable blockchain. The UKISS Blockchain will be powered by KISS Tokens and managed by a DAO, which will govern the ecosystem’s tokenomics and manage the UKISS community. Potential characteristics of the UKISS Blockchain include Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, proof of stake model, high throughput and low gas fees.

 

3. DID-Enabled Protocol

The UKISS Ecosystem will provide access to a DID-Enabled Protocol. Decentralised Identifiers, or DIDs, are unique identifiers that can be associated with various types of data, including verifiable credentials, without needing a centralised database. Users can provide cryptographic proof of control over the decentralised identifiers using their private keys.

 

4. Web2 and Web3 Applications

Users can connect Hugware and apply their private keys to various Web2 and Web3 applications that are part of the UKISS Ecosystem. They include applications developed in-house or by third parties.

 

In-house applications

U-Archive

The U-Archive software allows users to encrypt multiple files in a single folder with Hugware. These folders can be stored in a local drive or the cloud. Only the holder of the Hugware that is used to encrypt those files can unlock access.

 

U-Hide

The U-Hide software allows users to encrypt files, documents, or media assets separately. These files can be stored in a local drive or the cloud. Only the holder of the Hugware used for encryption can unlock access to the content.

 

U-Guard

The U-Guard application allows users to store their passwords securely with Hugware. Only the holder of the associated Hugware will have access.

 

UKISS Hub

Desktop software for access to UKISS applications, including Hugware device initialisation, Hugware Manager, and UKISS Wallet. This software has the potential to evolve into a super-app, offering one-stop access to all services integrated with the UKISS Ecosystem.

 

Hugware Manager

Hugware Manager is an application for Hugware users to perform Key Recovery, reset or change the PINs of their Authentication Key and Rescue Key, change the names of their Hugware Keys, and view their Certificates of Authenticity.

 

UKISS Wallet

UKISS Wallet is a crypto wallet for Hugware users to secure or transfer their crypto assets. It supports at least 10 networks and over 30 coins and tokens, with more chains to be added each quarter. Plans are underway to enhance the UKISS Wallet to support more features such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

 

DID Wallet

The DID Wallet is a DID-Enabled application that users can link to various types of personal data, including verifiable credentials. Verifiable credentials may represent information in physical credentials such as birth certificates, passports, medical records, and educational qualifications, or digital credentials such as online banking account details.

 

Smart Wallet

The Smart Wallet is a smart contract application that empowers users to become their own bank. The application will allow users to manage their financial assets whichever way they choose, such as establishing standing orders, escrow agreements and accounts, and even legacy planning.

E.g. Dead Man’s Switch

  Dead Man’s Switch is a feature in the Smart Wallet that enables the user to bequeath their assets to a trusted party after death.

 

U-Social 

U-Social is a DID-Enabled decentralised social file-sharing application that enables Hugware users to exchange encrypted information without a centralised server.

 

Verifiable Data Marketplace

A decentralised data marketplace for DID Wallet users to sell verifiable information to enterprises. Through the marketplace, businesses can purchase accurate information directly from their target audience instead of going through a big data firm or other companies that accumulate user data.

 

DeFi Swap Protocol

Hugware users can trade safely through the DeFi Swap Protocol. This trustless exchange protocol allows users to become liquidity providers and earn from their trades.


Potential third-party applications

Game Wallet

Hugware users can apply their private keys to a game wallet that has been integrated with the UKISS ecosystem. With the game wallet, players can authenticate their gaming identities and use their in-game assets. When they are done playing, they may disconnect their Hugware to ensure that their private keys and gaming assets are safe offline. 


Universal 2nd Factor Authentication

Hugware can be used as a hardware-based second-factor authentication solution to keep hackers off users’ digital accounts. This is a universal security feature that can be used on all digital platforms that integrate with the UKISS ecosystem, including social networking sites and decentralised apps. 


Payment Authorisation

Hugware, together with the DID Wallet, can be used to authorise and fulfil KYC requirements for all digital financial transactions across platforms that integrate with the UKISS ecosystem. They may include e-commerce, banking, and trading platforms. 


DeFi Insurance

DID Wallet users can provide authentication and verification when participating in DeFi insurance services that integrate with the UKISS Ecosystem. They may invest in the (mutual funds) liquidity pool to earn interest and/or purchase insurance to protect themselves.


KISS TOKENOMICS

The UKISS Decentralised Security Ecosystem will be supported by a token economy, powered by KISS Tokens. The token will be multifaceted, functioning as the UKISS Blockchain’s native token, the UKISS DAO’s governance token, a community token for members to earn incentives, and a transaction token for payment of UKISS services. 

KISS Token Utilities:

  1. Native token of UKISS Blockchain
  2. Transaction token ($KISS)
  3. Community token (UKISS Rewards)
  4. Governance token (UKISS DAO)

 

$KISS payable services:

  • UKISS blockchain gas fees
  • U-Archive (annual subscription)
  • U-Hide (annual subscription)
  • DID Wallet (transaction fees)
  • Smart Wallet (transaction fees)
  • Dead Man’s Switch
    • Users will pay for service depending on the period of service activation.
  • Verifiable Data Marketplace
    • Users will pay platform and/or transaction fees.
  • DeFi Swap Protocol
    • Participate as liquidity providers and earn from their trades (e.g., $KISS/USDT) or stake LP tokens to mine $KISS. 
  • DeFi Insurance
    • Investors to provide liquidity in $KISS for various DeFi insurance services, or purchase DeFi coverage in $KISS.

UKISS Rewards

A rewards scheme to attract and retain UKISS users. The UKISS Rewards program works in two ways. Firstly, those who purchase UKISS products will earn 5% in KISS Tokens. Secondly, UKISS product buyers may earn 5%, 2%, or 1% in KISS Tokens across three referral tiers, respectively. With the KISS Token rewards, they may use them to offset their next UKISS purchase or transfer the KISS Token to their crypto wallets after IDO.

 

Getting $KISS

$KISS will be launched as a BEP-20 across three launchpads in September. They are, TrustPad, ScaleSwap, and SafeLaunch. It will then be listed on decentralised and centralised exchanges.

ABOUT HUGWARE®

Hugware is a hardware wallet designed with a patented self-recovery procedure. The dual-device wallet comprises the Authentication Key and the Rescue Key, which functions as a backup and self-authenticating recovery device for users to reset forgotten passwords or re-synchronise their private keys with another Authentication Key. The device synchronisation feature ensures that the private key remains in the hardware and is never exposed. The Hugware will soon be complemented with PIN Guardian, an additional layer of security that safely stores the Rescue Key’s PIN for users to claim in the future.

World’s First Phrase-Free Hardware Wallet

Hugware’s unique recovery procedure makes it the world’s first hardware wallet that does not require a seed phrase. Many crypto wallets use seed phrase, the readable version of the private key, for users to input when restoring access to their assets. Seed phrases are less secure than a hardware-based recovery procedure as they expose the user to human errors, theft, and phishing.

 

World’s First Multipurpose Hardware Wallet

Many hardware wallets in the market are only offered as a crypto security solution whereas Hugware can be used for both crypto security and file encryption. As the UKISS Ecosystem grows, Hugware is poised to become an all-encompassing device, with the additional capability of providing user authentication and authorisation. 

 

Special benefits

Hugware’s self-authenticating hardware recovery procedure has been patented in more than 20 markets, including Europe, the United States, China, India, Singapore, and many parts of Southeast Asia. Hugware users also receive a five-year product warranty.

DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP

2022

🚀UKISS Hugware (Launched)

🚀UKISS Hub (Launched)

🚀Hugware Manager (Launched)

🚀UKISS Wallet for Windows and Mac (Launched)

🔵U-Archive for Windows (Launched) 

🔵KISS Token IDO

🔵UKISS Wallet for Android (Launched)

🔵NFT Integration for Windows, Mac, Android (Launched)

🔵PIN Guardian for Android

2023

🔵U-Archive for Mac

🔵UKISS Hub for Android (Launched)

🔵DID-Enabled Protocol

🔵U-Guard

🔵UKISS Blockchain

🔵DID Wallet

🔵U-Social

🔵Smart Wallet

🔵Verifiable Data Marketplace

 

ABOUT UKISS TECHNOLOGY

UKISS Technology is a Singapore–based Web3 security startup pioneering Hugware®, the world’s first seed phrase-free hardware wallet designed with patented self-authenticating recovery technology. Established in 2021, the startup was founded by hardware and cyber security experts as well as experienced entrepreneurs who have been in the industry for over 30 years.

James Gan, Chief Executive Officer

James Gan, Chief Executive Officer

James is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in Asia. Trained as a software engineer, he started in telecommunications (with AT&T as a major client) and has successfully spun off businesses in industries from IT to Oil & Gas and Real Estate Development.

Tan Ze Chong, Chief Strategy Officer

Tan Ze Chong, Chief Strategy Officer 

Ze Chong is a veteran in the cybersecurity space and has pioneered blockchain developments in Singapore. With over 30 years of experience, he played a significant role in creating Singapore’s first public Certificate Authority and the region’s earlier B2B digital payment solutions.

Ben Chan, Director

Ben Chan, Director

Ben is a computer science expert with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, where he successfully developed businesses for multiple MNCs, including Hewlett Packard, GIC, Citibank, MOF. He is also leading the WOLOT Foundation which supports the growth of enterprises on the TOOL Global blockchain ecosystem.

OUR ADVISORS

Anthony Ang, Global Business Advisor

Anthony Ang

Global Business Advisor

Anthony is a respected business leader, with experience across APAC & the United States. He brings to the table a wealth of experience from government & the private sector, with over 30 years of experience in private equity and real estate. He currently serves as the Singapore Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia and was previously the ex-CEO of Sasseur Asset Management, a REIT listed on the SGX.

Peter Demeo , Digital Asset Security Advisor

Peter Demeo

Digital Asset Security Advisor

Peter currently serves as the Head of Digital Asset Infrastructure at IBM. He spearheads industry adoption of crypto asset solutions and is responsible for market development, building sales & services infrastructure within the crypto solution space. He has spent over 10 years in the space, helping multiple blockchain partners to successfully ideate their use cases and refine their go-to-market for the enterprise market.

Albert Lam, Investment Advisor

Albert Lam

Investment Advisor

As the head of the Investment Division in IPP Financial Advisers Private Limited, Albert helms one of the most comprehensive analysis teams in the financial planning industry. He is also the chairman of IPP’s Investment Committee and takes a leading role in the oversight of economic and investment research. Under his leadership, IPP’s assets under advice have grown significantly since 2002, to value at about $1.7 billion today.

Chan Kwee Him, Financial Advisor

Chan Kwee Him

Financial Advisor

Kwee Him is a veteran in the financial industry with extensive experience within APAC. He was previously the Managing Director at DBS Private Bank, where he helped onboard over five mega-wealth funds. He has held senior management positions in major financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch, UBS and Citibank. He holds an MBA from NYU, and is CACS certified.

Danny Teo, Legal Advisor

Danny Teo

Legal Advisor

Danny currently serves as the Managing Director for Advance Law LLC. Since 2017, he has advised and helped to set up cryptocurrency exchange platforms in Thailand and Singapore. In addition, he has written legal opinions for several companies involved in cryptocurrency and was on the panel of Principality 2018, a cryptocurrency conference in Asia.

Jason Lam, Strategic Project Advisor

Jason Lam

Strategic Project Advisor

Jason is an expert in marketing crypto applications. With more than 7 years of experience in Investment Banking & Strategy Consulting, Jason’s stint in the Banking industry involves both local and foreign banks. Currently, he runs a management consultancy in Singapore, and serves as the Chief Strategist and Advisor for several blockchain projects.

Joel Kovshoff, Strategic Project Advisor

Joel Kovshoff

Strategic Project Advisor

Joel is a well recognized thought leader within the DeFi space and has advised several cryptocurrencies on tokenomics and go-to-market strategies. He serves as the active advisor to Ethernity (Premiere NFTs), Splyt (e-commerce and VR), FinXflo (Exchange aggregator), Paid Network (Ecosystem/Legal), Matrixswap (cross-chain swapping protocol), Ferrum Network (BaaS -staking, LP, Launchpad, Incubator) amongst many others, and is often invited by CNBC and other news networks to share his views.

William Eden, Strategic Project Advisor

William Eden

Strategic Project Advisor

Pioneering in the blockchain space, William’s experience includes building communities, fund raising, strategizing token metrics and collaborative efforts across blockchain sectors such as DeFi, NFTs and Wallet Providers. Beyond his role as Managing Partner at Tokenova, William is also Head of Product for a decentralized lending protocol accepting real estate to generate a GBP stablecoin. Through building Tokenova, William’s outreach has broadened to include top projects such as SwissBorg and Chainlink, plus some of the world’s most revered academic institutions.

Lester Lim, Strategic Project Advisor

Lester Lim

Strategic Project Advisor

Lester is no stranger to the blockchain and crypto space. The seasoned digital marketer and entrepreneur has worked on multiple million-dollar campaigns, making him one of the most sought after experts in blockchain startup incubation. Currently at the helm of the X21 Digital blockchain advisory firm, Lester advises on Strategic Directions, Marketing, Token Metrics, Investors Relations, and also connects projects to exchanges and other blockchain ecosystem partners.

Vinson Leow, Strategic Project Advisor

Vinson Leow

Strategic Project Advisor

Vinson is an experienced and well-connected strategic  project advisor. The founder of investment firm Crypto Round Table (CRT Capital) has overseen the growth of a diverse portfolio of projects while leading a global community of 2,500 crypto investors. As a world leading crowdfunding expert, he has raised $12M+ across 10 campaigns for Chargeasap, an electronics startup based in Sydney. Previously, the entrepreneur also led multiple consumer-targeted businesses with Bondi Laces and Zaia Distribution.