Multi-Cycle Attack

Definition ∞ A multi-cycle attack is a sophisticated cyberattack that unfolds over several distinct stages or transactions, rather than a single, instantaneous exploit. Attackers often execute preparatory steps, such as manipulating oracle prices or accumulating specific assets, before initiating the final malicious transaction to drain funds. These attacks are challenging to detect and prevent because each individual step may appear benign. They demand comprehensive security audits.
Context ∞ Multi-cycle attacks represent an advanced threat to decentralized finance protocols, requiring meticulous planning and execution by malicious actors. Security teams are continuously developing more sophisticated monitoring tools and auditing processes to identify and mitigate these complex attack vectors. News reports on major protocol exploits often reveal the multi-stage nature of these incidents, underscoring the need for layered security defenses.