Economic Security Mechanism

Definition ∞ An Economic Security Mechanism is a system designed to protect a blockchain network or protocol through financial incentives and penalties. Participants are rewarded for honest behavior and penalized for malicious actions. This mechanism aligns the economic interests of network participants with the overall security and integrity of the system. Proof-of-Stake protocols are a prime example.
Context ∞ These mechanisms are vital for the long-term stability and resilience of decentralized networks, particularly in proof-of-stake systems where validators stake assets. The design of effective economic security mechanisms is a critical area of research and development in blockchain technology. Ensuring sufficient deterrence against attacks remains a primary concern for protocol developers.