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Attack Cost Analysis

Definition ∞ Attack cost analysis evaluates the economic resources required for a malicious actor to compromise a blockchain network. This assessment considers the capital expenditure for hardware, operational expenses like electricity, and the opportunity cost of not participating honestly. It quantifies the financial barrier to executing attacks such as a 51% attack on proof-of-work systems. The analysis helps determine a network’s resilience against economically motivated adversaries.
Context ∞ In blockchain security discussions, attack cost analysis is a central metric for gauging a protocol’s robustness and decentralization. A high attack cost suggests greater network security, deterring potential attackers due to prohibitive expenses. Conversely, a low cost highlights a network’s vulnerability, often prompting protocol adjustments or increased scrutiny from the community.

Two sophisticated modular structures, encased in white and grey, engage in a pivotal connection at their core. Intricate dark circuitry with glowing blue accents forms the operational interface, emitting a brilliant blue energy burst signifying active data transfer. This visualizes a robust cross-chain interoperability mechanism, facilitating seamless atomic swaps or inter-protocol communication. The dynamic link suggests a secure validator node handshake, crucial for maintaining decentralized network integrity and enabling efficient layer-2 scaling solutions. Blurred blue lights in the background imply further network activity.

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Stubborn Nakamoto Protocol Achieves Permissionless Economic Security without PoW

The Stubborn Nakamoto protocol modifies Bitcoin's core rules to achieve provable economic security and permissionless design, decoupling finality from energy expenditure.