Double Signing

Definition ∞ Double signing is a malicious act in proof-of-stake blockchain networks where a validator signs two conflicting blocks for the same slot or height. This action represents an attempt to defraud the network or create a fork in the blockchain. It constitutes a severe violation of network rules and typically results in a penalty, often the slashing of the validator’s staked assets. This behavior undermines the integrity of the consensus mechanism.
Context ∞ Double signing is a significant security concern in proof-of-stake protocols, with mechanisms like slashing designed to deter such behavior. A key discussion revolves around the effectiveness of these penalties and the detection methods for identifying and punishing validators who attempt to double sign. Ongoing research aims to develop more robust consensus algorithms that are highly resistant to such attacks and minimize their impact.