Cross-Protocol Risk

Definition ∞ Cross-protocol risk refers to the potential for vulnerabilities or failures in one blockchain protocol or decentralized application (dApp) to negatively impact other interconnected protocols or dApps. This risk arises from the composability of decentralized finance (DeFi) where applications often build upon each other, creating dependencies. A malfunction, exploit, or economic instability in one component can cascade through the ecosystem, affecting multiple linked systems. This interconnectedness means that a problem in one area can trigger wider instability.
Context ∞ The current discussion surrounding cross-protocol risk is particularly acute within the DeFi sector, given the rapid growth of interconnected lending, borrowing, and exchange platforms. A key debate involves developing robust risk assessment frameworks and standardized security audits that account for these systemic dependencies. Future developments will focus on implementing stronger isolation mechanisms and cross-chain security solutions to mitigate the spread of such risks.