Is blockchain a friend or foe in ransomware attacks?

Silicon Republic July 20, 2021

UCD assistant professor Dr Nima Afraz explores how blockchain technology could be used against cyberattacks as well as the potential danger it poses.

In light of the recent ransomware attack on Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), I have examined the possible role blockchain technology can play in exacerbating but also preventing such attacks.

The race is now on between those who want to use blockchain for good and those who seek to use it to create further criminal harm.

Ransomware is an increasingly common type of cyberattack during which the victim’s computer is infiltrated and their data rendered inaccessible by encryption techniques. The victim is then forced to pay a ransom to gain access to their own data.

A ransomware...

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