Cyber Attacks, Spillovers and Contagion in the Cryptocurrency Markets

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) among the three cryptocurrencies under investigation are found in most cases when cyber attacks are taken into account, Bitcoin appearing to be the dominant one. 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.