A Systematic Literature Review of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology for the Detection and Prevention of Phishing Attacks

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@article{1724971,
      author = {Egbele Wilfred Odianosen, Temitope Olufunmi Atoyebi, Ridwan Kolapo, Prema Kirubakaran},
      title = {A Systematic Literature Review of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology for the Detection and Prevention of Phishing Attacks},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {5},
      pages = {2084-2093},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1724971.pdf},
      abstract = {This study systematically reviews blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) for phishing detection and prevention. It also identifies two related research streams: the use of DLT as the infrastructure for anti-phishing intelligence and analytical methods for identifying phishing in blockchain and Web3. The review synthesizes 45 publications through 2026 using PRISMA and reports descriptive mapping, thematic analysis, and evidence identification. Some of the functions of the ledger proposed include decentralized URL blacklists and auditable threat intelligence. In blockchain ecosystems, the dominant analytical methods include machine learning on account and transaction data, analysis of transaction graphs and other temporal graph models, contrastive learning, cross-chain adaptation, and payload inspection. The studies reviewed are largely focused on the Ethereum blockchain from 2023 to 2025. Other limitations identified in the studies include imbalanced classes, ambiguous or absence of labels, lack of both internal and external validation, and privacy and governance concerns. The report suggests the protective measures proposed may not substantially prevent financial loss. It concludes that, despite its potential for improving provability and accountability, the actual effect on phishing is limited without evidence of protective measures, and a timely, off-chain corrective and dispute process.},
      keywords = {blockchain, distributed ledger technology (DLT), phishing detection, phishing prevention, Web3 security},
      month = {November},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/ire1724971}
  }