Ransomware Activity and Blockchain Congestion
40 Pages Posted: 21 May 2018 Last revised: 6 May 2021
Date Written: May 9, 2018
Abstract
I examine blockchain congestion episodes caused by more than 4,400 triggers for ransomware attacks over a two-year period. When demand for settlement exceeds blockchain capacity, blockchain users engage in fee competition to prioritize their transaction settlement. A typical surge in ransomware activity causes transaction fees to increase by 2.1% and up to 28% in extreme cases. Consistent with theory literature, some users forego blockchain settlement when transaction fees increase. An event study around an extreme spike in ransomware activity supports the findings of the main analysis.
Keywords: Blockchain, Congestion, Cryptocurrency, Cybersecurity, Ransomware
JEL Classification: D47; E42; G10
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation