EOA Compromise

Definition ∞ An EOA compromise is an incident where an externally owned account (EOA) in a blockchain system, typically controlled by a private key, is breached. This compromise grants unauthorized access to the account’s digital assets and the ability to sign transactions. Such events often result from phishing, malware, or poor private key management by the user. It represents a direct loss of control over funds.
Context ∞ News frequently reports on EOA compromises, often detailing the methods used by attackers and the resulting financial losses. The ongoing discussion emphasizes the critical importance of secure private key storage, hardware wallets, and strong security awareness for users. Protocol developers are also exploring account abstraction to mitigate the impact of EOA compromises.