Emergency Recovery Mode

Definition ∞ Emergency Recovery Mode refers to a predefined operational state or set of procedures activated within a blockchain protocol or digital asset system during critical failures or security breaches. This mode allows for urgent interventions, such as pausing operations, freezing compromised assets, or implementing rapid patches, to prevent further damage. Its purpose is to safeguard the integrity and assets of the system and its users. Activation is typically governed by specific protocol governance mechanisms.
Context ∞ The existence and activation of emergency recovery modes are often discussed in the context of protocol security and decentralization tradeoffs. While providing a critical safety net, the centralized control implied by such a mode can raise concerns about censorship resistance. News reports detailing the use of emergency recovery modes highlight the inherent risks and the ongoing efforts to balance security with the foundational principles of decentralization in digital asset systems.