Distributed Systems Security

Definition ∞ Distributed systems security refers to the set of measures and protocols designed to protect computer systems where components are spread across multiple network nodes. It addresses challenges such as data consistency, fault tolerance, and resistance to malicious attacks in an environment without a central authority. Ensuring the integrity and availability of information across dispersed participants is paramount. This field focuses on robust protection against various threats.
Context ∞ Distributed systems security is a fundamental concern in blockchain technology, where the absence of central control requires strong cryptographic and consensus mechanisms. Debates frequently involve balancing decentralization with performance and protection against novel attack vectors. Ongoing research seeks to harden these systems against quantum computing threats and sophisticated network intrusions.