Governance Attack Vector

Definition ∞ A governance attack vector identifies a specific method or vulnerability through which an actor can maliciously influence or compromise the decision-making process of a decentralized protocol or organization. This could involve acquiring a controlling stake in governance tokens, exploiting smart contract flaws related to voting, or coordinating off-chain manipulation. Successful attacks can lead to unauthorized changes in protocol parameters or asset theft. It represents a critical security concern for decentralized systems.
Context ∞ News reports frequently highlight governance attack vectors when discussing security audits of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), proposals for protocol upgrades, or incidents where large token holders attempt to exert undue influence. The identification and mitigation of these vectors are paramount for maintaining the integrity and decentralization of blockchain projects. Such attacks underscore the continuous need for robust governance models and vigilant community oversight in the digital asset space.