Suffolk Reporter

Researchers from Stony Brook University, led by Professor Nick Nikiforakis, have been recognized with a bronze medal at eCrime 2024 in Boston for their work on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in blockchain technology. Their paper, "Typosquatting 3.0: Characterizing Squatting in Blockchain Naming Systems," sheds light on new risks associated with human error in blockchain naming systems.

The study, primarily authored by PhD student Muhammad Muzammil, identifies how typosquatting—a practice that exploits minor spelling errors—is being adapted to target blockchain systems. This poses significant threats to users' financial security and digital assets.

Professor Nikiforakis explained the implications of their findings: “Our research shows that as blockchain technology evolves, it also introduces new opportunities for malicious actors. A single typo in Blockchain Name Systems can result in cryptocurrency losses of the equivalent of thousands of dollars.”

Samir Das, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University, emphasized the importance of these findings. He stated, “The team’s findings contribute to a deeper understanding of cybersecurity risks and reinforce the need for stronger protections in emerging digital ecosystems. In this new area of cryptocurrencies and Web3, finding ways to safeguard our online interactions is crucial.”

The full story by Yuganshu Jain is available on the Computer Science website.