Cryptocurrencies: Identifiable Characteristics, Criminal Use and COVID-19 Effects on Cryptocrime

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2021
• Author: Alexander Malyshau

Speaker

Alexander Malyshau holds the role of Trainer in Digital Forensics and serves as the Technical Focal Point for Cybercrime Issues within the Transnational Threats Department at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), headquartered in Vienna. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he plays a pivotal role in enhancing cybercrime awareness and capabilities across OSCE member states. Malyshau's dedication to advancing digital forensics and combating cyber threats underscores his vital contributions to international security efforts in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Topic

This comprehensive e-presentation provides a thorough examination of cryptocurrencies and their correlation with criminal activities. It offers an in-depth exploration of various essential aspects, encompassing key definitions, the intricacies of cryptocurrency mining, transaction procedures, identifiable properties, and a meticulous analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the realm of cryptocurrency-related crime.

To begin, the presentation delves into the fundamental characteristics of cryptocurrencies, elucidating the concept behind these digital assets. It elucidates how cryptocurrencies function as decentralized, peer-to-peer, and secure forms of digital currency. Additionally, it outlines their primary features, such as cryptographic security, blockchain technology, and the absence of central authority control.

Furthermore, the presentation provides an extensive overview of cryptocurrency mining, elucidating the intricate process by which new digital coins are created and transactions are validated within blockchain networks. This section underscores the pivotal role played by miners and the computational power required for successful mining operations.

The e-presentation goes on to explore transaction procedures within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, explaining how these transactions are executed securely and transparently across blockchain networks. It also addresses the topics of wallet management and the significance of private keys in safeguarding digital assets.

Moreover, the presentation takes a deep dive into...