Investigating altcoins (alternative cryptocurrencies)

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of alternative cryptocurrencies, commonly referred to as altcoins, within the context of digital forensic investigations. It begins by establishing a foundational understanding of what altcoins are, delineating them from Bitcoin, and classifying their various types based on technological features and use cases. The chapter then addresses the unique forensic challenges posed by altcoins, including privacy mechanisms, transaction obfuscation techniques, and decentralised architectures that hinder traceability. Subsequent sections outline a structured approach to the technical forensic processes specific to altcoin investigations, followed by real-world case studies that highlight investigative methodologies and outcomes. The chapter concludes with an analysis of forensic tools tailored to altcoin environments and presents a practical forensic puzzle – The Zero-Taint Coin Challenge – to illustrate theoretical concepts through hands-on problem-solving. The overall objective is to equip forensic practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of altcoin-related investigations.