Open AccessBitcoin address clustering method based on multiple heuristic conditions
Author(s) -
He Xi,
He Ketai,
Lin Shenwen,
Yang Jinglin,
Mao Hongliang
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
iet blockchain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2634-1573
DOI - 10.1049/blc2.12014
Subject(s) - heuristic , computer science , cluster analysis , convergence (economics) , anonymity , cluster (spacecraft) , data mining , algorithm , artificial intelligence , computer security , computer network , economics , economic growth
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.