Cryptocurrency Value and 51% Attacks: Evidence from Event Studies

Abstract

In this article, an event studies approach is utilized to assess the influence of 51% attacks on proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrency prices. The study uses an exhaustive sample of 14 individual attacks on 13 cryptocurrencies. Across multiple event studies techniques, majority attacks on blockchains are consistently shown to immediately decrease corresponding coin prices by 12% to 15%. Significantly negative price response is robust in various event windows. Coin prices do not recover to pre-attack levels one week after the event. There is evidence of pump-and-dump schemes prior to the 51% attack, however the market demonstrates high efficiency after the attacks. 51% attacks are suggested to be a fundamental risk factor for cryptocurrency investments, primarily characteristic of small PoW coins with low hash rates.

TOPIC: Currency

Key Findings

• • 51% attacks on Proof-of-Work cryptocurrencies decrease their market prices by 12.60% on average.

• • The effect is robust to different measurement techniques and in various event windows.

• • There is evidence of insider trading and “pump-and-dump” schemes prior to the attacks.