Definition ∞ Long-range attack resistance is the ability of a blockchain protocol, especially those employing proof-of-stake, to withstand attacks where an adversary attempts to rewrite historical transaction data from the chain’s earliest blocks. This type of attack exploits the fact that past validators may no longer be active, allowing an attacker to generate an alternative history without needing a current network majority. Robust long-range attack resistance is crucial for maintaining the immutability and integrity of the blockchain’s historical record.
Context ∞ Long-range attack resistance is a critical security consideration for proof-of-stake blockchains, contrasting with the inherent cost of re-mining in proof-of-work systems. The discussion involves various cryptographic and protocol-level solutions, such as checkpointing and active validator participation schemes. Future developments will focus on strengthening finality gadgets and enhancing light client security to mitigate this complex threat.
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