| Summary: | In this article, the author primarily aims to clarify from a technical and terminological point of view several notions relevant for the blockchain ecosystem. In this context, the analysis is focused on notions such as blockchain, Proof of Work or Proof of Stake consensus mechanism, virtual currency, crypto-asset, digital wallet, centralized or decentralized exchange platform, public address, public and private cryptographic key, seed phrase, etc. Beyond these technical and terminological clarifications, the author aims to analyse the European and national regulatory framework, in an attempt to resolve, among other things, different matters such as the difference between virtual currencies, crypto-assets and electronic money or the regulation of exchange service providers and digital wallet providers.
Last but not least, the author analyses both the risks and benefits of blockchain technology from a cyber security perspective, as well as several criminal behaviours in regard to virtual currencies or other crypto-assets. In this context, behaviours such as ransomware, cryptojacking, unauthorized transfer of virtual currencies or other cryptocurrencies, counterfeiting of virtual currencies, cloning or restricting access to digital wallets, etc. are all taken into consideration.
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