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Mixing is an essential cryptosecurity technique, especially for those seeking to protect against double-spending attacks. Crypto mixers (also known as bitcoin tumblers or bitcoin laundering services) are a type of service that can help users obscure their transaction history on the blockchain by connecting two wallets with an intermediary, and then separating the coins between them.

This can make it more difficult for law enforcement to track down the sender and recipient of funds, making mixers a popular choice for cybercriminals. However, there are a number of legitimate uses cases for these services as well, such as those of high-net-worth individuals who wish to avoid public publicity of large movements of their assets, or those who believe their actions could be tracked by governments or other entities.

Several bitcoin mixer services have been in the news recently, with allegations of facilitating money laundering and other illicit activities being levied against them. This has led to increased scrutiny of the sector, as well as sanctions against some of its highest profile providers such as Tornado Cash. The question remains, then, what is exactly a crypto mixer, and why would anyone want to use one?

There are a number of different methods used for mixing, with the most common being centralized custodial mixers, which take ownership of user funds for a temporary period of time before sending them back to their owners. These mixers can often be linked to a cryptocurrency exchange, and so are subject to the same regulatory oversight as any other financial services company. They also often face greater scrutiny from regulators, with many jurisdictions requiring them to register under the Bank Secrecy Act.

The most reliable crypto mixers are those that are noncustodial, and operate by combining users’ coins with the coins of other users in a process known as CoinJoin. These mixers can be built into privacy wallets that pitch themselves on increasing user anonymity, and are often the preferred method for those seeking maximum security and privacy. They can be more risky than centralized mixers, as they cannot guarantee their clients’ full anonymity.

For those seeking a higher degree of privacy, the best option may be to choose a mixer with a strict no-logs policy, which ensures that all user data is destroyed and that there is no trace of their activity on the blockchain. This can be difficult to achieve, though, and so the user should always do their research carefully to ensure they are using a trustworthy service that will meet their needs. Ultimately, it is important for investors and users to understand the role that these services play in the overall cryptosecurity ecosystem, and to weigh up their own risks against the benefits they can provide. Doing so should help them make a more informed decision on whether to use a crypto mixer, or not. This article is taken from Forbes’ CryptoAsset & Blockchain Advisor, an online publication focused on delivering cutting-edge analysis and insights to cryptoassets investors and professionals.