Author: bfd at cock.lu 2017-03-08 02:01:26
Published on: 2017-03-08T02:01:26+00:00
The discussion is about unique node identifiers in Bitcoin. Nodes are designed not to be identifiable, including persisting identities across IP changes or when connecting over different networks. However, there is an idea for an anonymous, opt-in, unique node identification mechanism to help counter sybil attacks and compile lists of active nodes. This could come in the form of a Bitcoin address where the node generates and backs up a private key, and the corresponding public key becomes that node's unique identifier. The node can then respond with its unique identifier and a signature for the challenge to prove it. This information would make it easy to identify patterns and dismiss sybil attacks. Anonymous node identity is pointless because it provides no actual security/privacy benefit.
Updated on: 2023-06-11T22:03:13.160998+00:00