Towards Understanding and Demystifying Bitcoin Mixing Services
Lei Wu, Yufeng Hu, Yajin Zhou, Haoyu Wang, Xiapu Luo, Zhi Wang, Fan Zhang, Kui Ren
Abstract
One reason for the popularity of Bitcoin is due to its anonymity. Although several heuristics have been used to break the anonymity, new approaches are proposed to enhance its anonymity at the same time. One of them is the mixing service. Unfortunately, mixing services have been abused to facilitate criminal activities, e.g., money laundering. As such, there is an urgent need to systematically understand Bitcoin mixing services.
Topics & Concepts
Mixing (physics)AnonymityComputer securityHeuristicsPopularityComputer scienceInternet privacyCybercrimeBusinessGoods and servicesDigital currencyEconomicsData scienceWork (physics)Blockchain Technology Applications and SecuritySpam and Phishing DetectionInternet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting