Bitcoin’s Blockchain Peer-to-Peer Network Security Attacks and Countermeasures

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this work is familiarizing users and researchers about Bitcoin's blockchain peer-to-peer network system and investigating security attacks that threat this critical financial digital cash network. Method: A comprehensive research analysis was conducted to identify Bitcoin's blockchain peer-to-peer network security attacks and possible countermeasures to protect the Bitcoin network against such attacks. This bibliographical survey covers the related research works from the launch of blockchain in 2008 until the end of 2019. Results: This study investigates eleven attacks that threaten Bitcoin's blockchain peer-to-peer network systems and presents the possible countermeasures to defend these attacks. Conclusion: The conclusion obtained is encouraging the researchers to explore this hot research area. Besides, the study provides perspectives for future research directions in this domain.