Dynamic Defense Model against Eclipse Attacks in Proof-of-Work Blockchain Systems

Abstract

An emerging threat within blockchain systems is the malicious tactic known as eclipse attacks, wherein attackers aim to deceive and gain control over targeted nodes. Despite the increasing popularity of blockchain technology, effective defence mechanisms against eclipse attacks have been lacking. A novel and dynamic defence model designed explicitly for Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus blockchain systems is proposed to address this critical issue. The model relies on a node-to-node evaluation mechanism to ensure robust protection. By leveraging mutual evaluations conducted between clients and incorporating the renowned Kademlia algorithm, a ranking value is assigned to each node within the defence model. These rankings empower nodes to prudently select trustworthy peers as neighbours based on a threshold comparison, effectively mitigating the risk posed by malicious nodes. Notably, the proposed approach significantly enhances the security of blockchain systems without necessitating modifications to existing protocols or network structures. The effectiveness of the proposed defence model in countering eclipse attacks is extensively validated through a series of experiments. Furthermore, the approach surpasses previous defence strategies, offering a higher probability of successful defence while maintaining minimal overhead. With its straightforward implementation and operational efficiency, the dynamic defence model is an ideal solution for real-world deployment scenarios. This research presents a compelling and robust defence model against eclipse attacks in PoW blockchain systems, addressing the existing gap in defence mechanisms. Furthermore, this advancement paves the way for the wider adoption of blockchain applications across various domains by providing enhanced security, reliability, and trustworthiness.