Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion On Background: Bad Actors on the Blockchain
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Feb 14, 2023 
Andy Greenberg, a senior cybersecurity writer for WIRED and author of "Tracers in the Dark," dives into the dark side of cryptocurrency. He explores how investigators navigate the blockchain to trace illicit activities, revealing the irony that a technology born for anonymity now aids in uncovering crime. Greenberg discusses the FTX heist, the ethics of anonymity, and the surprising challenges law enforcement faces. He also highlights the transformation of public perception about cryptocurrency's traceability, suggesting the future for bad actors is increasingly grim.
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Bitcoin's Traceability
- Bitcoin transactions are recorded on the blockchain, making them traceable.
- The pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin addresses created a false sense of anonymity.
Satoshi's Anonymity
- Satoshi Nakamoto's identity remains a mystery, despite Bitcoin's transparency.
- This is ironic, given the supposed anonymity of the cryptocurrency.
Sarah Meiklejohn's Research
- Sarah Meiklejohn, a researcher, initially studied Bitcoin usage patterns.
- She discovered techniques to cluster Bitcoin addresses, revealing that many belonged to single entities.
