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  • How to Start a Career in Blockchain Forensics & Fraud

    Hayley Woodhouse

    Member

    Updated: Mar 19, 2025
    Views: 956

    I need to get out of my own head. So, background: I’ve been in cybersecurity forever (pentesting, breaking things legally, you know the vibe). But over the last year, I’ve gotten weirdly obsessed with blockchain fraud stuff—like, tracking crypto scams, unraveling rug pulls, basically being a nuisance to shady people.

    Problem is, my current gig is writing blogs/content for a blockchain company. It’s… fine? But I’m dying to actually do the security work instead of just talking about it.

    I’m halfway through a part-time master’s in cybersecurity (focusing on crypto/blockchain), which sounds good, but I’m stuck on what comes next. How do I go from “I read a ton about blockchain forensics” to “Hire me to hunt your scammers”? Are there specific certs I’m missing? Do I need to build a portfolio of… something? Or is this field still too niche to break into without insider connections?

    If anyone’s made a similar pivot—or even tried—what worked (or absolutely didn’t)? No sugarcoating. I’m already deep in analysis paralysis and my YouTube history is just “how to become a blockchain detective” at 3AM. Help.


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  • Andria Shines

    Member • 4mos

    Hi Hayley, transitioning into blockchain forensics with your cybersecurity background and cryptography expertise offers an exciting path filled with opportunities. Blockchain forensics professionals analyze transactions, detect fraud, and uncover illicit activity within decentralized networks.

    To build expertise, start by mastering transaction tracing. Understand blockchain transaction structures and how data is stored on-chain. Focus on tracing flows, identifying mixers, and navigating multi-chain environments. Study both UTXO (Bitcoin) and account-based models (Ethereum) to handle diverse cases effectively.

    Learn de-anonymization techniques to connect blockchain addresses to real-world identities. Address clustering, change output detection, and behavioral analysis play critical roles in this process. Review case studies of successful investigations for actionable insights.

    Explore common attack vectors like flash loan exploits, phishing, and rug pulls. Analyze real-world incidents to recognize vulnerabilities exploited in fraud and money laundering schemes. Combine this knowledge with proficiency in tools like Chainalysis Reactor, GraphSense, or Python libraries such as Web3.py and PyCrypto for custom scripts and in-depth analysis.

    Develop a solid understanding of global AML and CTF regulations. Familiarity with FATF guidelines and blockchain-specific compliance challenges enhances your ability to work effectively with law enforcement and regulators.

    Leverage your cryptography background to study vulnerabilities in wallet encryption, consensus mechanisms, and key recovery techniques. Apply this knowledge to trace and mitigate sophisticated exploits.

    Contribute to open-source forensics projects, participate in blockchain-focused CTFs, and engage with communities like EthSecurity. These actions build your credibility and open doors to specialized roles in blockchain forensics.

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  • Hayley Woodhouse

    Member • 4mos

    Hi, that is amazing advice , thanks so much. Would you say that a KYC Analyst role is a good place to start and are there any specific certifications or courses that you would recommend? Thanks very much Hayley

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  • Andria Shines

    Member • 4mos

    To pursue a career as a KYC Analyst in the blockchain industry, specific certifications and courses can help you develop the required skills. These include training in anti-money laundering (AML), blockchain compliance, and the use of blockchain analytics tools. Below is a clear and concise list of recommended programs: (1) AML and Compliance Certifications Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) Organization: ACAMS Focus: Global AML standards, cryptocurrency compliance. Cost: ~$1,500 Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI) (2) Organization: Blockchain Intelligence Group Focus: Blockchain transaction analysis and risk detection. Cost: ~$1,500 ICA Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering (3) Organization: International Compliance Association (ICA) Focus: AML procedures and crypto integration. Cost: ~$1,000–$1,500

    (4) Blockchain-Specific Training Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP) Organization: Blockchain Council Focus: Blockchain basics, compliance, security. Cost: ~$150–$300 (5) Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Specialist (3CS) Organization: CipherTrace Focus: Cryptocurrency risk management and compliance. Cost: ~$2,000 (6) Blockchain Basics Organization: University of Nicosia Focus: Introduction to blockchain technology. Cost: Free (7) Blockchain Analytics Tools Chainalysis Reactor Certification Organization: Chainalysis Focus: Blockchain transaction tracing and analysis. Cost: Varies (8) Elliptic Cryptocurrency Compliance Training Organization: Elliptic Focus: Identifying and mitigating cryptocurrency risks. Cost: Free or low-cost (9) TRM Labs Training Organization: TRM Labs Focus: Blockchain transaction monitoring. Cost: Varies

    Suggested Steps: Start with a foundational AML certification like CAMS or ICA AML Certificate. Learn blockchain basics with free or affordable courses like those from the University of Nicosia. Gain practical skills with blockchain analytics tools like Chainalysis Reactor or TRM Labs.

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  • Priya Gupta

    Member • 2mos

    Good pointers in this discussion thread. Thanks all for these resource and experience sharing

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