Research reveals Bitcoin can withstand 72-92% undersea cable failures, boosting reliability. Learn about its transition to Tor and vulnerabilities to targeted attacks.
© A. Krivonosov
Bitcoin shows remarkable resilience to disruptions in global network infrastructure. According to research from Cambridge University, it would take the simultaneous failure of between 72% and 92% of undersea communication cables to seriously impair the network. This confirms that the cryptocurrency is well-protected against accidental incidents.
The researchers analyzed 11 years of P2P traffic data and examined the impact of 68 confirmed cable breaks. They concluded that random failures have virtually no effect on network operations. To assess resilience, they used a cascading failure model that accounts for interconnected systems like internet infrastructure and power grids.
Bitcoin's transition to the Tor network is noted separately as a factor that boosted its robustness. The researchers say this move was a response to regulatory pressure while simultaneously strengthening protection against censorship and technical failures, making the infrastructure more reliable. However, the situation changes with targeted attacks. The study found the Bitcoin network is vulnerable if key routing nodes come under attack. Specifically, targeting major infrastructure providers could lead to significant disruptions across the entire system.
Despite the generally positive findings, experts warn that global network resilience is under increasing strain. In recent months, numerous undersea cable damages have been recorded in different regions worldwide, highlighting the importance of continued infrastructure development and protection.