Blockchain Exploitation

Definition ∞ The act of leveraging vulnerabilities in a blockchain protocol, smart contract, or associated decentralized application to illicitly obtain assets or disrupt system operations. This involves identifying and taking advantage of weaknesses in code, design, or implementation. Exploitations can range from flash loan attacks to reentrancy vulnerabilities. Such events often result in substantial financial losses and erode trust in the affected platforms.
Context ∞ News reports regularly detail blockchain exploitation incidents, highlighting the continuous security challenges within the digital asset space. The industry responds by increasing audit frequency, bug bounty programs, and developing more robust security primitives. Understanding the nature of these exploits is essential for assessing the risk profile of various blockchain projects and their associated digital assets.