Detecting Eclipse Attacks on Blockchain Networks using Non-Parametric Change Detection

Temel Kavramlar

The core message of this paper is to introduce a novel non-parametric change detection algorithm to identify eclipse attacks on a blockchain network. The proposed algorithm relies only on the empirical mean and variance of the evolving blockchain communication network, making it highly adaptable.

Özet

The paper introduces a non-parametric change detection algorithm to identify eclipse attacks on a blockchain network. Eclipse attacks occur when malicious actors isolate blockchain users, disrupting their ability to reach consensus with the broader network and distorting their local copy of the ledger.
The key highlights and insights are:

The proposed algorithm monitors changes in the Fréchet mean and variance of the evolving blockchain communication network (BCN) connecting blockchain users.

The authors leverage the Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma to project large-dimensional BCNs into a lower-dimensional space, preserving essential statistical properties.

A non-parametric change detection procedure is employed, leading to a test statistic that converges weakly to a Brownian bridge process in the absence of an eclipse attack. This enables quantifying the false alarm rate of the detector.

The proposed detector can be implemented as a smart contract on the blockchain, offering a tamper-proof and reliable solution.

Numerical examples compare the proposed eclipse attack detector with a detector based on the random forest model, showing the proposed detector outperforms the random forest-based approach.

İstatistikler

The paper does not contain any explicit numerical data or statistics to support the key logics. The analysis is primarily theoretical, focusing on the mathematical formulation and convergence properties of the proposed test statistic.

Alıntılar

There are no direct quotes from the content that support the key logics.

Önemli Bilgiler Şuradan Elde Edildi

Eclipse Attack Detection on a Blockchain Network as a Non-Parametric Change Detection Problem

by Anurag Gupta... : arxiv.org 04-02-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.00538.pdf

Daha Derin Sorular

How can the proposed non-parametric change detection algorithm be extended to handle time-varying eclipse attack strategies

To extend the proposed non-parametric change detection algorithm to handle time-varying eclipse attack strategies, we can introduce a dynamic component to the algorithm. This dynamic component would allow the algorithm to adapt to changes in the characteristics of the eclipse attacks over time. One approach could be to incorporate a sliding window mechanism that continuously updates the statistical parameters used in the detection algorithm based on the most recent data. By updating the mean and variance estimates in real-time as new BCNs are observed, the algorithm can effectively track and detect changes in the eclipse attack strategy as they occur. Additionally, incorporating machine learning techniques such as online learning algorithms or recurrent neural networks could enhance the algorithm's ability to adapt to evolving eclipse attack strategies.

What are the theoretical bounds on the accuracy of the test statistic when the BCNs are observed in noise

The theoretical bounds on the accuracy of the test statistic when the BCNs are observed in noise can be analyzed using statistical methods such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis. By quantifying the level of noise present in the observed BCNs relative to the signal of the eclipse attack, we can determine the impact of noise on the accuracy of the test statistic. The bounds can be derived by evaluating the effect of noise on the estimation of the Fr´echet mean and variance, as well as the convergence properties of the test statistic in the presence of noise. By conducting simulations with varying levels of noise and analyzing the resulting test statistic accuracy, we can establish theoretical bounds on the test statistic's accuracy under different noise conditions.

How can the proposed test statistic be refined to effectively detect an eclipse attack near the endpoints of the observed sequence of BCNs

To refine the proposed test statistic to effectively detect an eclipse attack near the endpoints of the observed sequence of BCNs, we can introduce a boundary correction mechanism. This mechanism would account for the potential distortion in the statistical properties of the BCNs near the endpoints and adjust the detection criteria accordingly. By incorporating boundary correction factors into the test statistic calculation, we can mitigate the impact of endpoint effects on the detection accuracy. Additionally, utilizing advanced statistical techniques such as kernel density estimation or time series analysis could help in capturing the subtle changes in the BCNs near the endpoints and improving the precision of the eclipse attack detection.