Long-Range Attack Mitigation

Definition ∞ Long-range attack mitigation refers to strategies preventing an attacker from rewriting a blockchain’s history from its origin. These security measures are specifically designed to defend Proof-of-Stake blockchain networks against attacks where an adversary attempts to construct an alternative, longer chain starting from the genesis block using compromised old validator keys. Such mitigation techniques often involve checkpointing, light client synchronization protocols, or requiring validators to retain proof of their past participation. Their purpose is to preserve the immutability of the ledger.
Context ∞ Long-range attack mitigation is a critical security consideration in the design and implementation of Proof-of-Stake protocols. While these attacks are theoretical in many established systems, ongoing research seeks to strengthen defenses and ensure the long-term integrity of PoS chains. The effectiveness of these measures directly impacts the trustworthiness and security of staked digital assets.