Definition ∞ A passive adversary model describes a threat scenario where an attacker observes system communications without altering them. This adversary aims to gather information, such as sensitive data or transaction details, by monitoring network traffic or public ledgers. Unlike active attackers, a passive adversary does not interfere with the system’s operation but rather seeks to learn from its observable behavior. This model is crucial for assessing the privacy and confidentiality of communication protocols.
Context ∞ In the context of blockchain and digital assets, the passive adversary model is particularly relevant for evaluating the privacy of transactions. News reports often discuss how sophisticated data analytics can be employed by passive adversaries to deanonymize users on public blockchains. Designing systems that resist such observation, even without active interference, remains a significant focus for privacy-centric blockchain projects.
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