Anomaly Detection in Blockchain Using Machine Learning
Authors: Swapna Siddamsetti  
Published: May 2024

Blockchain technology has gained significant attention as a secure and decentralized platform for various applications. However, the immutable and distributed nature of blockchain also presents unique challenges for detecting anomalies and suspicious activities within the network. This research paper proposes a novel approach to anomaly detection in blockchain using machine learning techniques.
 The goal of this study is to develop an effective and scalable anomaly detection framework that can analyze the vast amount of data generated within a blockchain network and identify irregularities or potential security threats. The proposed framework leverages the power of machine learning algorithms to learn patterns, relationships, and behaviours from historical blockchain data, enabling the detection of anomalous activities in real time.The research paper first focuses on feature extraction techniques tailored specifically for blockchain data. These techniques consider key characteristics of blockchain transactions, such as transaction size, timestamp, and involved addresses, to construct meaningful features that capture the underlying patterns and trends. Various dimensionality reduction techniques are also explored to handle the high-dimensional nature of blockchain data.Subsequently, several machine learning algorithms, including clustering, classification, and anomaly detection methods, are employed to train models using the extracted features. The performance of different algorithms is evaluated using benchmark datasets and real-world blockchain data to assess their accuracy, precision, and recall in detecting anomalies. Additionally, the scalability of the proposed framework is investigated to ensure its effectiveness in large-scale blockchain networks.Furthermore, the research paper investigates the integration of domain-specific knowledge, such as known attack patterns and regulatory compliance rules, into the anomaly detection framework. This hybrid approach combines the strengths of machine learning algorithms with expert knowledge to enhance the accuracy and interpretability of anomaly detection results.The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed anomaly detection framework achieves promising performance in identifying various types of anomalies in blockchain data. It exhibits high detection rates while minimizing false positives, thereby providing valuable insights for blockchain network administrators and regulators to mitigate security risks and safeguard the integrity of blockchain systems.
In conclusion, this research paper presents an innovative approach to anomaly detection in blockchain using machine learning. The proposed framework addresses the unique challenges posed by blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature, offering an effective solution for detecting suspicious activities and ensuring the security of blockchain networks. The findings of this study contribute to the growing field of blockchain analytics and have significant implications for real-world blockchain applications in domains such as finance, supply chain management, and healthcare.