Blockchain Forensics for Cryptocurrency-Driven Cybercrime

Abstract

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies have transformed the way digital transactions work by introducing decentralisation, transparency, and immutability. However, these features also allow some individuals to use them for cybercrimes. This chapter explains how blockchain records can be used to trace, investigate and mitigate such crimes. It also talks about how understanding the behaviour of users can help in finding out who the attackers are. This chapter begins with the basic ideas of blockchain and cryptocurrency, after this, it describes different types of cybercrimes that usually happen using cryptocurrency and also explains that traditional ways of investigating cybercrimes don't work well with blockchain and new frameworks are required to investigate and solve these cases. A key section of the chapter examines how blockchain forensics helps in detecting cybercrimes. User-centric threat intelligence will be explored to understand the people behind cybercrimes that can help in investigations. In the chapter, Legal and ethical considerations will be addressed.