Definition ∞ In blockchain and distributed ledger contexts, honest users are participants who strictly adhere to the protocol’s rules and operate without malicious intent. These individuals or entities contribute to the network’s integrity by validating transactions correctly and following consensus mechanisms. Their collective actions maintain the system’s security and trustworthiness. This behavior is fundamental to decentralized trust.
Context ∞ The concept of honest users is central to discussions about the security and resilience of decentralized networks, frequently appearing in news concerning blockchain governance and attack vectors. The assumption that a majority of network participants are honest is fundamental to many proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems. Debates often focus on designing protocols that remain secure even if a significant minority of users deviate from honest behavior.