Adversarial Models

Definition ∞ Adversarial models are conceptual frameworks or systems designed to simulate or represent malicious actors or their behaviors within a digital environment. They are employed to test the resilience, security, and robustness of cryptographic protocols, blockchain networks, or digital asset marketplaces. These models help anticipate and mitigate potential threats by analyzing how sophisticated adversaries might attempt to compromise system integrity or exploit vulnerabilities.
Context ∞ Discussions surrounding adversarial models are pertinent when evaluating the security posture of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or assessing the potential impact of state-sponsored cyberattacks on cryptocurrency infrastructure. Analyzing these models provides critical insights into the ongoing arms race between security developers and malicious entities, informing risk assessments and the development of defensive strategies against sophisticated attacks.