The Dark Web was a Garden of Eden for the adoption of cryptomonnaies, including Bitcoin who was a pioneer of Blockchain technology. Since then, Dark Web users have turned to more anonymous alternatives for goods and services rendered from this platform, which are generally illegal. The best known are probably Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) who promise the anonymity and non-traceability of his transfers. However, a group of researchers relays certain flaws in the promise given by Monero.
Composed of members specialized in the technologies that surround the Blockchain - cryptography, security, computer science, etc. - this group points out in a 21-page memoir article the problems related to Monero that could expose its users to the light, breaking then with the fundamental principles of its concept. These weaknesses were all the more significant before the update in February 2017 with the implementation of a protection called "Ring Confidential Transactions".
Monero promises anonymity and non-traceability of its transfers by mixing several transactions together, including decoy transfers. These lures represent a danger because once discovered, the real transaction can then be identified for future transfers.
In a second point, the researchers argue that during the mixing of transactions, the real one appeared 90% of the time as the first of the batch. Today, after updating Monero, the chances of finding it have dropped to 45%, but the risk is still there.
The last danger exposed by the group comes from the Stealth Addresses proposed by Monero. Indeed, even if the use of these addresses makes it possible to hide the recipient of its transfers, they can be linked to its user by third platforms, such as exchange platforms. Generally, marketplaces require the identification of its users by a KYC form - Know Your Customer - then attaching addresses and people together. In such a case, if a person decides to use the address of this platform for the purchase of an illicit product, he can then be identifiable.
Monero is well aware of his flaws and is working on the subject. However, they admit that this work is a constant improvement as one of its main developers says:
"Confidentiality is not something you do, it is a constant battle between cat and mouse" Riccardo Spagni.
Andrew Miller, an advisor to Zcash, who is also Monero's main competitor, participated in this research.
Translated by deepl.com from : https://journalducoin.com/altcoins/lanonymat-de-monero-xmr-remis-cause/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter