DLT Cybersecurity Monitoring

This project seeks to develop and demonstrate a proof-of-concept security-monitoring software for organisations participating in Blockchain consortia. Our software will provide real-time information on potential attacks and consequences that is contextualised and comprehensible, based on a logic developed in our underlying research. This helps organisations using Blockchain to do so in a more secure, informed manner and supports compliance with cybersecurity requirements.

Blockchain-based systems are being developed and implemented in a widening range of applications across sectors. Cryptocurrencies have been the primary application of Blockchains in recent years, occupying most of the global blockchain market. More recently, increasing projects have sought to develop Blockchain-based systems for other applications, including supply-chain management, public services, integrating Internet-of-Things systems into Smart Cities, and digital-identity management.

Like most digital systems, Blockchain-based systems are vulnerable to cyber-attack. High-value cryptocurrency thefts have been achieved through wallet compromise; exploitation of smart-contract vulnerabilities; and 51% attacks. As Blockchains emerge in new applications, they will inevitably be targets of attack by adversaries seeking to compromise the integrity and availability of data and decision-making, with potential consequences extending beyond financial theft.

It is therefore critical that users of Blockchain-based systems are able to detect and mitigate against potential attacks by outsiders or by competitors. While there is some common ground, many of the types and indicators of attack against Blockchain-based systems differ from other digital systems; as such existing approaches are not directly applicable.