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Securing Decentralized Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Blockchain Vulnerabilities, Attacks, and Countermeasures and Mitigation Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Md Kamrul Siam

    (Department of Computer Science, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY 10023, USA)

  • Bilash Saha

    (Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Md Mehedi Hasan

    (Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Md Jobair Hossain Faruk

    (Department of Computer Science, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY 10023, USA)

  • Nafisa Anjum

    (Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Sharaban Tahora

    (Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Aiasha Siddika

    (Department of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Hossain Shahriar

    (Center for Cybersecurity, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL 32514, USA)

Abstract

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative innovation, providing a transparent, immutable, and decentralized platform that underpins critical applications across industries such as cryptocurrencies, supply chain management, healthcare, and finance. Despite their promise of enhanced security and trust, the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks has exposed vulnerabilities within blockchain ecosystems, posing severe threats to their integrity, reliability, and adoption. This study presents a comprehensive and systematic review of blockchain vulnerabilities by categorizing and analyzing potential threats, including network-level attacks, consensus-based exploits, smart contract vulnerabilities, and user-centric risks. Furthermore, the research evaluates existing countermeasures and mitigation strategies by examining their effectiveness, scalability, and adaptability to diverse blockchain architectures and use cases. The study highlights the critical need for context-aware security solutions that address the unique requirements of various blockchain applications and proposes a framework for advancing proactive and resilient security designs. By bridging gaps in the existing literature, this research offers valuable insights for academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers, contributing to the ongoing development of robust and secure decentralized ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Kamrul Siam & Bilash Saha & Md Mehedi Hasan & Md Jobair Hossain Faruk & Nafisa Anjum & Sharaban Tahora & Aiasha Siddika & Hossain Shahriar, 2025. "Securing Decentralized Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Blockchain Vulnerabilities, Attacks, and Countermeasures and Mitigation Strategies," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-41, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:183-:d:1639179
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sepideh Mollajafari & Kamal Bechkoum, 2023. "Blockchain Technology and Related Security Risks: Towards a Seven-Layer Perspective and Taxonomy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-24, September.
    2. Namita Rajput & Vikas Garg & Jyotsna & Shivani G. Varmani, 2023. "International Production and Digital Economy," Springer Books, in: Gurinder Singh & Richa Goel & Vikas Garg (ed.), Industry 4.0 and the Digital Transformation of International Business, pages 189-206, Springer.
    3. Antonia Russo & Gianluca Lax & Baptiste Dromard & Menad Mezred, 2022. "A System to Access Online Services with Minimal Personal Information Disclosure," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(5), pages 1563-1575, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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