Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

A Concise Review of Anomaly Detection Approaches for Block Chain Transactions

Jibrin Baba Isah, Asabe Sandra Ahmadu, Ajayi Gbolahan Babatunde, Abubakar, Bello, Corresponding Author

Abstract

Blockchain systems have revolutionized decentralized data management yet continue to be vulnerable to irregular and fraudulent transaction activities. Identifying such anomalies is difficult because of the large complexity, class imbalance, and dynamic characteristics of blockchain data. This paper provides a concise empirical review of anomaly detection methodologies utilized in blockchain transactions, encompassing statistical techniques, machine learning, ensemble learning, Explainable Artificial Intelligence , deep learning, and graph-based strategies. The review consolidates methodological trends, strengths, and limitations identified in recent research. Findings indicate an increasing transition towards ensemble-based learning such as Random Forest, and hybrid methodologies owing to their resilience and versatility. The study concludes that ensemble-based learning models, including RF, outperform single classifiers such as SVM in terms of robustness and detection accuracy.

Keywords

Block chainAnomaly detectionRandom ForestSupport Vector MachineEnsemble learningFraud detection.

References

Apiecionek, ?.; Karbowski,P. Fuzzy Neural Network for Detecting Anomalies in Blockchain Transactions. Electronics 2024, 13, 4646. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13234646 Aponte-Novoa, F.A.; Orozco, A.L.S.; Villanueva-Polanco, R.; Wightman, P. The 51% attack on blockchains: A mining behavior study. IEEE Access 2021, 9, 140549–140564. Chang, Z.; Cai, Y.; Liu, X.F.; Xie, Z.; Liu, Y.; Zhan, Q. Anomalous Node Detection in Blockchain Networks Based on Graph Neural Networks. Sensors 2025, 25, 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25010001 Chen, J.; Hassan, M. U., & Rehmani, M. H.,(2022). Anomaly detection in blockchain networks: A comprehensive survey. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 25(1), 289-318. Cholevas, C.; Angeli, E.; Sereti, Z.; Mavrikos, E.; Tsekouras,G.E. Anomaly Detection in Blockchain Networks Using Unsupervised Learning: A Survey. Algorithms 2024, 17, 201. https://doi.org/10.3390/ a1705020 Hasan, M.; Rahman, M.S.; Janicke, H.; Sarker, I.H. Detecting anomalies in blockchain transactions using machine learning classifiers and explainability analysis. Blockchain Res. Appl. 2024, 5, 100207. Hisham, S.; Makhtar, M.; Aziz, A.A. Combining Multiple Classifiers using Ensemble Method for Anomaly Detection in Blockchain Networks: A Comprehensive Review. Int. J. Adv. Comput. Sci. Appl. 2022, 13, 404–422. [CrossRef] Jumani, F.; Raza, M. Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection in Blockchain: A Critical Analysis, Empirical Validation, and Future Outlook. Computers 2025, 14, 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14070247 Kamran, M.; Rehan, M.M.;Nisar, W.; Rehan, M.W. ARCADE—Adversarially Robust Cost- Sensitive Anomaly Detection in Blockchain Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence. Electronics 2025,14, 1648. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14081648 Mohammed, M.A.; Boujelben, M.; Abid, M. A novel approach for fraud detection in blockchain-based healthcare networks using machine learning. Future Internet 2023, 15, 250. Musa,T.A.; Bouras, A. Anomaly detection: A survey. Lecture Notes Networks System 2022, 217, 391–401. Pourhabibi, T.; Ong, K.-L.; Kam, B.H.; Boo, Y.L. Fraud detection: A systematic literature review of graph-based anomaly detection approaches. Decis. Support Syst. 2020, 133, 113303. [CrossRef] Prasad, V.S.R.; Harshitha, G.; Sujitha, A.; Asmitha, M.; Aishwarya, A.; Priya, D.J. Strengthening Blockchain Security: Countering51% Attacks Using Dynamic Miner Reputation and Weighted Block Acceptance (DRW-BA). Synth. Multidiscip. Res. J. 2025,3, 1–13. Swapna, Siddamsetti, Chirandas Tejaswi, Pallavi Maddula 2024. Anomaly Detection in Blockchain Using Machine Learning. J. Electrical Systems 20-3 (2024): 619-634 Xuan, S.; Liu, G.; Li, Z.; Zheng, L.; Wang, S.; Jiang, C. Random forest for credit card fraud detection. In Proceedings of the 2018 IEEE 15th International Conference on Networking, Sensing and Control , Zhuhai, China, 27–29 March 2018; pp. 1– 6.[CrossRef] Yue, Y.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, M.;Yang, J. An Abnormal Account Identification Method by Topology Feature Analysis for Blockchain-Based Transaction Network. Electronics 2024,13, 1416. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081416

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICAL THEORY

Advances in Algorithmic Contract Scoring for Pre-Negotiation Yield Optimization and Risk Retention

Author: Ngozi Samuel Uzougbo, Michael Ominyi, Cyril Chimelie Anichukwueze, Blessing, Chika Jones

DevTest flow: Designing a Scalable Continuous Testing Pipeline for High-Velocity Software Delivery

Author: Lawal Ahmed Oladimeji, Achori Busayo, Akeju BusayoZainab, Saka Samson, Damilare, Mbah Demian Chidi, Runsewe Similoluwa Mayowa, Oladiti Luqman, Abiodun