Cyber-attacks, spillovers and contagion in the cryptocurrency markets

Guglielmo Maria Caporale*, Woo Young Kang, Fabio Spagnolo, Nicola Spagnolo

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    52 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper examines mean and volatility spillovers between three major cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum) and the role played by cyber-attacks. Specifically, trivariate GARCH-BEKK models are estimated which include suitably defined dummies corresponding to different types, targets and number per day of cyber-attacks. Significant dynamic linkages (interdependence) between the three cryptocurrencies under investigation are found in most cases when cyber-attacks are taken into account, Bitcoin appearing to be the dominant cryptocurrency. Further, Wald tests for parameter shifts during episodes of turbulence resulting from cyber-attacks provide evidence that the latter affect the transmission mechanism between cryptocurrency returns and volatilities (contagion). More precisely, cyber-attacks appear to strengthen cross-market linkages, thereby reducing portfolio diversification opportunities for cryptocurrency investors. Finally, the conditional correlation analysis confirms the previous findings.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number101298
    JournalJournal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money
    Volume74
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

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