Bitcoin address clustering method based on multiple heuristic conditions. Issue 2 (31st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Xi; He, Ketai; Lin, Shenwen; Yang, Jinglin; Mao, Hongliang
• Is Part Of: IET blockchain. Volume 2:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2022-05-31
• Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) -- Periodicals; Blockchains (Databases); Periodicals; 005.74
• DOI: 10.1049/blc2.12014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2634-1573

Abstract

Abstract: Single heuristic method and incomplete heuristic conditions were difficult to cluster a large number of addresses comprehensively and accurately. Therefore, this paper analysed the associations between Bitcoin transactions and addresses and used six heuristic conditions to cluster addresses and entities. We proposed an improved change address detection algorithm and compared it with the original change address algorithm to prove the effectiveness of the improved algorithm. By adding conditional constraints, the identified change address was more accurate, and the convergence speed of the algorithm was accelerated. Our work presented the pseudo‐anonymity mechanism of the Bitcoin system, which could be used by the law enforcement agencies to track and crack down illegal transactions.