Autonomous Exploitation

Definition ∞ Autonomous exploitation describes the independent execution of malicious activities against digital systems or protocols, often without continuous human direction. This involves automated scripts or programs that identify and compromise vulnerabilities within blockchain networks or smart contracts. Such operations aim to illicitly gain access, control assets, or disrupt network functions.
Context ∞ News reports on autonomous exploitation frequently pertain to security breaches and hacks within the cryptocurrency and decentralized finance sectors. The discussion centers on the rapid, self-executing nature of these attacks, posing significant challenges for real-time defense and recovery efforts. Vigilance regarding code audits and protocol hardening is a continuous subject in this area.