Chain Security

Definition ∞ Chain Security refers to the overall resistance of a blockchain network to attacks and unauthorized alterations of its transaction history. It encompasses the cryptographic strength, consensus mechanism robustness, and decentralization properties that collectively safeguard the integrity of the ledger. Strong chain security ensures that recorded transactions are immutable and cannot be reversed or censored. It is a fundamental property for maintaining trust in any distributed ledger technology.
Context ∞ News regarding blockchain technology often highlights chain security when discussing network upgrades, consensus mechanism changes, or instances of malicious activity. Debates concern the trade-offs between security, scalability, and decentralization, particularly in proof-of-stake versus proof-of-work systems. Observing advancements in cryptographic techniques and attack mitigation strategies remains a critical area for those monitoring digital asset systems.