Cryptocurrency Forensics and Investigation using Open Source Intelligence Techniques (OSINT) by Prasad, Prakash;

Short description:

Cryptocurrency Forensics and Investigation Using Open Source Tools and Techniques is a two-volume series that was written for such reason. It is intended to be a useful, hands-on resource for people who wish to learn about and research bitcoin activity using openly accessible tools.

Long description:

The financial industry has been evolving more quickly than most of us anticipated.  As digital currencies gain popularity, both new opportunities and hazards are emerging. Cryptocurrencies are no longer a fringe idea; they are now a component of international investment, business, and, regrettably, criminal activity.  Investigators and legal experts can help with that. Untangling intricate transactions, tracking digital footprints, and maintaining system integrity are all urgently needed.

Cryptocurrency Forensics and Investigation Using Open Source Tools and Techniques is a two-volume series that was written for such reason. It is intended to be a useful, hands-on resource for people who wish to learn about and research bitcoin activity using openly accessible tools.

The fundamentals are covered in Volume I, including the essential ideas, open source resources, and fundamental techniques, how criminals operate in crypto space, working on privacy coins and more you'll need to begin going. From there, Volume II delves into more complex methods such as tracking assets across many blockchains, identifying trends, and studying actual case studies.

"This book provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of cryptocurrency investigations. The comprehensive coverage of blockchain technology, open source tools, cryptocurrency transactions, and investigative techniques is essential for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) operating in the dynamic digital space. The book's practical approach, coupled with real-world case studies and best practices, equips investigators with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively investigate cryptocurrency-related crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and cybercrime. I highly recommend this book as a valuable resource for all law enforcement professionals involved in cybercrime investigations specifically crypto investigation." – Siddhesh S More, ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad), Mumbai Cyber Team (Crypto Desk)

“As someone who has been working in crypto forensics for over a decade, I can confidently say that this book is a must-read. The depth of coverage, from foundational concepts to advanced investigative techniques, is impressive. The inclusion of custom Python tools provides investigators with a significant edge in tackling complex cases. This is a vital resource for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field." – Dona. L, Chief Crypto Investigations Officer, International Institute of Financial Intelligence

"Prakash Prasad's work is a critical contribution to the field of cryptocurrency investigations. The detailed breakdown of blockchain technology, coupled with the practical application of OSINT and custom Python tools, is invaluable. This book empowers investigators to tackle the most complex crypto crimes with confidence." – Gabby Williams

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Advanced Cryptocurrency Investigations: Tools, Techniques, and Case Studies. Chapter 2: Cracking the Code: Investigating Cryptocurrency Cybercrime and Theft. Chapter 3: Cryptocurrency Investigative Toolkit: On-Chain and Off-Chain Tools. Chapter 4: Blockchain Forensics and Analysis for Law Enforcement Professionals Following the Digital Money Trail - Tools and Techniques for Cryptocurrency Traceability). Chapter 5: Investigating P2P (Peer-to-peer) Platforms and Crypto Transactions. Chapter 6: Advance DeFi & Smart Contract Crypto Investigation. Chapter 7: Digital Asset Investigation and Forensics: Mining and Ethereum Forensics. Chapter 8: Cryptocurrency Investigations: NFTs, ICOs, and Exchange Forensics. Chapter 9: Advanced Blockchain Forensics and P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Forensics Analysis and Investigation Analysis Investigation. Chapter 10: DeFi, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Applications (dApps) Forensics Analysis and Investigation. Chapter 11: Forensic Analysis of Privacy Coin / Cryptocurrency Transactions Using Link Analysis. Chapter 12: The Future of Blockchain Forensics: Quantum Computing, Feature Engineering and Machine Learning. Chapter 13: Building an Impenetrable Case: Best Practices and Forensics Tools for Crypto Investigations. Chapter 14: Investigating Alt Coins (Alternative Cryptocurrencies).