Blockchain security research: theorizing through bibliographic-coupling analysis

Purpose The continuous presence and intensity of the Internet of things (IoT) in our lives and the risk of security breaches in traditional transactional and financial platforms are the major cause of personal and organizational data losses. Blockchain emerges as a promised technology to ensure higher levels of data encryption and security. Thus, this study aims to develop a systematic literature review analyzing the previous literature and to purpose of a framework to better understand the process of blockchain security. Design/methodology/approach The 75 articles reviewed were obtained through the Scopus database and a bibliographic-coupling analysis was developed to identify the main themes of this research area, via VOSviewer software. Findings The results enable the categorization of the existing literature revealing four clusters: 1) feasibility, 2) fintech and cryptocurrency, 3) data trust and share and 4) applicability. Blockchain technology is still in its early stage of development and counting on researchers in security and cryptography to take it further to new highs, to allow its applicability to different areas and in long-term scenarios. Originality/value This systematic literature creates a base to reduce the blockchain security literature gap. In addition, it provides a framework that enables the scientific community to access the main subjects discussed and the articulation between concepts. Furthermore, it enhances the state-of-the-art literature on blockchain security and proposes a future research agenda.