Summary

In this chapter, we explored the possibility of exploiting the blockchain as an attack vector. We saw that not only data of a different nature can be stored within the blockchain, but that this possibility also exposes unaware users to responsibility and liability. In similar cases, the immutability of the ledger can turn into a disadvantage, rather than an advantage, and we have seen what solutions can be adopted to eliminate illicit data from local nodes. We then dealt with some topics still considered controversial, such as the possibility of exploiting the blockchain to preserve the anonymity of users and transactions, and to guarantee users protection from possible identity theft attacks. Finally, we saw how it is possible to spread malware by exploiting the architectural peculiarities of the blockchain, making it extremely difficult for antivirus software to detect...