Centralized Component Risk

Definition ∞ Centralized component risk describes the vulnerability introduced when a blockchain system or decentralized application relies on a single, non-distributed entity or service. This dependency creates a point where failure, attack, or control by a single party can compromise the entire system. Such risks contradict the core principles of decentralization, potentially leading to censorship, data manipulation, or system downtime. It represents a deviation from truly distributed network architecture.
Context ∞ News articles frequently discuss centralized component risk when analyzing the security and true decentralization of various crypto projects. This risk is a significant concern for regulators and users seeking genuinely permissionless and resilient systems. Debates focus on migrating away from these dependencies to enhance censorship resistance and fault tolerance. Addressing this risk is crucial for the long-term credibility and security of decentralized networks.