Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Cryptocurrency security in cyberspace and the challenges ahead

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Department of Law, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
Abstract
In recent decades, the rapid spread of digital currencies, especially Bitcoin and Ethereum, along with the development of blockchain technology, has created fundamental changes in global financial systems. Although these developments have provided numerous opportunities for economic development and improved efficiency of financial systems, they have also brought with them complex and emerging cybersecurity challenges. The main issue in dealing with digital currencies is the comprehensive identification of security challenges arising from the decentralized and anonymous nature of transactions, as well as the utilization of the capacities of blockchain technology as an efficient tool for strengthening cybersecurity.

The present study examines various aspects of this issue with a theoretical approach and a descriptive-analytical method using library resources. The main objective of the article is to identify and analyze financial and cyber crimes related to digital currencies, explain the security challenges arising from the development of this technology, and examine technological opportunities to deal with its threats. The research findings show that cryptocurrencies, in addition to providing a suitable platform for crimes such as money laundering, terrorist financing, digital asset theft, phishing attacks, and ransomware, also offer important opportunities for improving cybersecurity. In particular, blockchain technology, with its ability to record transactions immutably and create secure decentralized networks, has a high potential for increasing transparency and user trust. Also, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze suspicious behaviors in cryptocurrency transactions is an effective solution for preventing digital financial crimes. The overall conclusion of this research is to emphasize the need to develop comprehensive and interdisciplinary strategies that include legal, technological, and educational dimensions to protect users' personal information and digital assets, as well as to create appropriate legal and technological platforms for optimal exploitation of the opportunities of cryptocurrencies in line with the economic development of countries. In addition, international cooperation, regulatory standardization, and investment in innovative cybersecurity and blockchain technology research are essential requirements for managing this emerging phenomenon. Ultimately, achieving sustainable security in the field of digital curre ncies requires a holistic and synergistic approach between governments, researchers, and IT industry actors.
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