Virtual Currency Investigations: Hands-On Lab and Lecture

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Presented at TechnoSecurity&DigitalForensics 2019 by

Eric Huber

Cryptocurrencies used extensively as key payment method of the underground economy and to facilitate many other forms of criminal activity including money laundering, child exploitation, and ransomware. Proficiency in understanding and investigating cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technology is no longer optional for cybercrime investigations. This introductory hybrid lecture/hands on lab presentation assumes no prior knowledge on the part of attendees. This session will educate attendees on key blockchain technology concepts such as distributed ledgers, mining, public key cryptography, and blockchain wallets. Concepts such as privacy coins and stable coins will be covered along with the uses of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency such as the facilitation of distributed applications (DAPPS) and Internet 2.0. The second half of the session will focus on the ever expanding criminal uses of cryptocurrencies and how they can be successfully investigated with both free and paid tools using a comprehensive virtual currency investigation process that includes digital forensics, open source investigations, and traditional investigative methods. The session will conclude with providing students how they can plug into the cryptocurrency community and begin their own path to education and exploration of this financial technology that will be a key part of cybercrime investigations for a very long time to come.