Analyzing Miners’ Dynamic Equilibrium in Blockchain Networks under DDoS Attacks

Abstract

Proof of work (PoW) is one of the most widely used consensus algorithms in blockchain networks. It mainly uses the competition between mining nodes to obtain block rewards. However, this competition for computational power will allow malicious nodes to obtain illegal profits, bringing potential security threats to blockchain systems. A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack is a major threat to the PoW algorithm. It utilizes multiple nodes in the blockchain network to attack honest miners to obtain illegal rewards. To solve this problem, academia has proposed a DDoS attack detection mechanism based on reinforcement learning methods and static game modeling methods based on mining pools. However, these methods cannot effectively make miners choose the strategy with the best profit over time when facing DDoS attacks. Therefore, this paper proposes a dynamic evolutionary game model for miners facing DDoS attacks under blockchain networks to solve the above problems for the first time. We address the model by replicating the dynamic equation to obtain a stable solution. According to the theorem of the Lyapunov method, we also obtain the only stable strategy for miners facing DDoS attacks. The experimental results show that compared with the static method, the dynamic method can affect game playing and game evolution over time. Moreover, miners’ strategy to face DDoS attacks gradually shifts from honest mining to launching DDoS attacks against each other as the blockchain network improves.

An Analysis of Blockchain-Based IoT Sensor Network Distributed Denial of Service Attacks

“…We also experimented with the Multichain, IPFS, Bitcoin, and Ethereum blockchain platforms. However, we ultimately opted not to use these platforms [10]. We found that the Command Line (CMD) version of the Multichain application was incompatible with the Linux version, and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) was only available with 64-bit architecture, which consumes more power compared to other blockchain applications.…”

“…Additionally, the Bitcoin platform does not offer private blockchain features for our test network data transmission, which is only available for financial purposes. Finally, IPFS was not suitable for our Local Area IoT test network as IPFS is more suitable for cloud data transactions [10].…”

“…Blockchains are Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks that make use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to record transactions across a network [10]. Blockchains are typically transparent, immutable, and secure.…”

“…Blockchains are typically transparent, immutable, and secure. Blockchains generate a chain of blocks with each block containing a number of transactions [10]. Once a block is added to the chain, the block cannot be altered.…”

A Repeated Game-Based Distributed Denial of Service Attacks Mitigation Method for Mining Pools

“…Then, we elaborate on the research content of Table 3. Huang et al [30] established a profit model of miners' resistance to DDoS attacks by using the dynamic evolutionary game method and solved the optimal mining strategy of miners in different network environments by using the Friedman method. Mirkin et al [31] implemented an Incentive-Based Denial of Service (IBDoS) attack using a blockchain reward mechanism to disrupt the operation of a PoW-based cryptocurrency system using a dynamic game approach.…”