Definition ∞ Economic security bootstrapping describes the initial process of establishing and increasing the financial cost to attack a new or smaller blockchain network. This involves attracting sufficient capital or computational power to secure the chain against malicious actors. For Proof-of-Stake systems, it means accumulating enough staked assets to deter attacks. For Proof-of-Work, it involves encouraging miners to contribute hash power. This foundational step is critical for a network to achieve a robust level of resistance against economic manipulation.
Context ∞ News articles frequently cover economic security bootstrapping when discussing the launch of new blockchain protocols or layer-2 solutions. The challenge lies in creating incentives that attract enough participants to secure the network from its inception, preventing early vulnerabilities. Projects often employ various mechanisms, such as token distribution events or initial mining rewards, to achieve adequate economic security, a key factor for long-term viability and trust.
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