Hijacking Bitcoin: Large-scale Network Attacks on Cryptocurrencies.

摘要: Bitcoin is without a doubt the most successful cryptocurrency in circulation today, making it an extremely valuable target for attackers. Indeed, many studies have highlighted ways to compromise one or several nodes. In this paper, we take different perspective and study effect of large-scale network-level attacks such as ones that may be launched by Autonomous Systems (ASes). We show are commonly believed hard, isolating 50% mining power, actually within reach anyone with access BGP-enabled network hijacking less than 900 prefixes. Once on path, AS-level adversaries can then partition delay block propagation significantly. The key factors enable these extreme centralization Bitcoin, both from routing perspective, along fact messages sent unencrypted, integrity guarantees. demonstrate feasibility practice against deployed software quantify their disruptive network-wide impact. potential damage severe. By part delaying blocks, attackers cause significant amount power wasted, leading revenue losses enabling wide range double spending. We provide suggestions approaches mitigate employing short-term long-term measures.