Product description
Review
“This book is smart, readable and scary too.” (Irish Tech News, August 2018)
From the Inside Flap
An Essential Guide to the Tools and Techniques of Cryptocurrency Forensics
Cryptocurrency is exploding in popularity. Once relegated to the Dark Web and used primarily for illicit activities, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are now being used as investments and in more mainstream transactions. As major banks keep close watch, these currencies are gaining ground, with all signs pointing toward expansion in use and accessibility. There is currently $150 billion in circulating cryptocurrency, with $3 billion changing hands daily—yet none of this can be traced by normal means. Investigating Cryptocurrencies provides cyber and financial investigators with the necessary background, techniques, and methodologies to break through the blockchain “lockdown” and investigate crimes involving cryptocurrency transactions.
Globally recognized cybersecurity and forensics expert Nick Furneaux demystifies blockchain technology and gives investigators who are entering this new playing field practical guidance. By linking the familiar investigative workflow with essential tools and techniques that are specific to cryptocurrency forensics, Furneaux has compiled a complete playbook for all major stages of an investigation. Topics discussed in this book include cryptocurrency detection, blockchain visualization, address and transaction extraction, micromessage detection, and much more. Real-world tools and techniques give readers insight into the practices used by criminals. With cryptocurrencies rapidly advancing into the mainstream and bringing outside crime into the cybersecurity realm, this book provides the critical information that forensics professionals will need to remain effective as currency moves online.
With step-by-step instruction bolstered by in-depth explanations and expert perspective, Investigating Cryptocurrencies will help you:
- Develop a deeper understanding of blockchain and transaction technologies
- Set up and run a cryptocurrency account
- Access raw data on blockchain ledgers
- Track transactions and build information on specific addresses
- Identify the real-world users behind a transaction
- Understand “coin” seizure methodology
- Use appropriate technology and techniques during investigations
From the Back Cover
An Essential Guide to the Tools and Techniques of Cryptocurrency Forensics
Cryptocurrency is exploding in popularity. Once relegated to the Dark Web and used primarily for illicit activities, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are now being used as investments and in more mainstream transactions. As major banks keep close watch, these currencies are gaining ground, with all signs pointing toward expansion in use and accessibility. There is currently $150 billion in circulating cryptocurrency, with $3 billion changing hands daily yet none of this can be traced by normal means. Investigating Cryptocurrencies provides cyber and financial investigators with the necessary background, techniques, and methodologies to break through the blockchain “lockdown” and investigate crimes involving cryptocurrency transactions.
Globally recognized cybersecurity and forensics expert Nick Furneaux demystifies blockchain technology and gives investigators who are entering this new playing field practical guidance. By linking the familiar investigative workflow with essential tools and techniques that are specific to cryptocurrency forensics, Furneaux has compiled a complete playbook for all major stages of an investigation. Topics discussed in this book include cryptocurrency detection, blockchain visualization, address and transaction extraction, micromessage detection, and much more. Real-world tools and techniques give readers insight into the practices used by criminals. With cryptocurrencies rapidly advancing into the mainstream and bringing outside crime into the cybersecurity realm, this book provides the critical information that forensics professionals will need to remain effective as currency moves online.
With step-by-step instruction bolstered by in-depth explanations and expert perspective, Investigating Cryptocurrencies will help you:
- Develop a deeper understanding of blockchain and transaction technologies
- Set up and run a cryptocurrency account
- Access raw data on blockchain ledgers
- Track transactions and build information on specific addresses
- Identify the real-world users behind a transaction
- Understand “coin” seizure methodology
- Use appropriate technology and techniques during investigations
About the Author
NICK FURNEAUX is a cybersecurity and forensics consultant specializing in cybercrime prevention and investigation for law enforcement and corporations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He regularly speaks at industry conferences, including the F3 (First Forensic Forum), NPCC/ACPO Hi-Tech Crime conference, European Network Forensics and Security conference, many others.
KMS –
One of the best cryptocurrency related books I have read. Extremely well written, the author steps through the concepts in a logical order with practical examples all the way.What often frustrates when reading crypto related books is you’ll read something and have a question, but it is not answered and you have to set that question aside, which is often then forgotten. This book seems to magically predict said questions and answers them as the author progresses through the topic.Excellent stuff!
Shaun R –
I have known Nick for a number of years and been a student on a number of his technical training courses. This book combines his extensive technical knowledge with his very personable delivery style which takes the ‘sting’ out of the more complex matters presented. The book is ideally suited to technical and forensic investigators but is also of value to anyone involved in the investigation of any matter involving blockchain technology for example contracts, documents, communications etc.The content of the book is presented in a structured and progressive way which takes the reader through every step they need to be effective in this type of investigation. As someone who has been involved in the highest levels of cyber and forensic investigations for a number of years I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
srijeeta saha –
Satisfied
Nathan Sawatzky –
This book had a direct impact on my success in a recent project on crypto forensics. It’s well written and even entertaining. The lessons and projects that author proposes turned something from really challenging to something I could wrap my head around and even explain to others.
Greg Kelly –
Excellent read. Provided great information
Onz –
Good read
M. Watkins –
Really disappointing; a lot of core principles are skipped over and I found myself with more questions and needing to go search for answers elsewhere. How any investigator could read this book and expect to survive a cross examination is beyond me.
Taylor –
Whilst there are many resources out there for learning how to understand how cryptocurrencies work there is very little available for crime investigators. This book proves to be a useful resource for those just getting exposed to such investigations and will no doubt be popular particularly with digitally minded investigators; the best of open source is covered and there are a few additional handy tips and scripts thrown in too.The book is written in a friendly style, which goes some way to help explain the more difficult concepts. The author’s opinions and commentary on the importance of some topics over others helps the reader determine the most relevant concepts and techniques.In addition to Bitcoin, Ethereum features quite heavily and there are some useful tips in relation to viewing and interpreting transaction data.Whilst taking the time to introduce bitcoin from its very beginning, some day to day practical uses and user experiences are skimmed through quite quickly, which would suit some readers but hamper those who are completely new to this area. It would have also been good to have some commentary on the newer technologies coming online, such as Lightning Network.Overall, a good resource for crime investigators and a worthy investment for more experienced and technical investigators who are looking to supplement their knowledge.
SKD –
Good experience
Good product.
C –
Best Seller Book
I love it. It has everything that I was looking for. Great explanations. One of the best books I have purchased.