Definition ∞ Message verification is the cryptographic process of confirming the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or transaction. This involves using digital signatures and public-key cryptography to ensure that a message originates from the claimed sender and has not been tampered with during transmission. It is a fundamental security mechanism in blockchain networks and digital communication.
Context ∞ Reliable message verification is absolutely central to the security and trustlessness of blockchain operations and decentralized applications. Any failure in this process could lead to fraudulent transactions or unauthorized actions, compromising the entire system. Ongoing research seeks to enhance the efficiency and resilience of verification protocols, particularly for cross-chain communication.