External Trust Source

Definition ∞ An external trust source provides verifiable information or attestations to a decentralized system from outside its core operations. This refers to an independent entity or established data feed that supplies reliable, off-chain data or validation to smart contracts and blockchain applications. While blockchains are inherently trustless internally, they often require real-world information to execute complex functions, making these external sources essential. The integrity of such sources is paramount for the accuracy and security of decentralized applications that interact with the physical world.
Context ∞ The reliance on external trust sources, commonly known as oracles, presents a significant challenge and a central discussion point in decentralized application development. Ensuring the decentralization and tamper-resistance of these data feeds is critical to prevent single points of failure or manipulation. Innovations in oracle networks aim to enhance their security and reliability, thereby strengthening the overall integrity of the digital asset ecosystem.