Definition ∞ A proof of impossibility is a mathematical demonstration that a particular outcome, condition, or computational task cannot be achieved under a given set of assumptions or constraints. In cryptography, this often means proving that a certain attack is not feasible or that a specific security property cannot be broken. These proofs establish fundamental limits on what is achievable within a system. They provide strong guarantees about the security and resilience of cryptographic protocols.
Context ∞ Proofs of impossibility are crucial for establishing the theoretical security of blockchain protocols and cryptographic primitives. News might reference these proofs when discussing the robustness of a consensus mechanism against specific attack vectors, such as double-spending. Such proofs help validate the long-term viability and trustworthiness of digital asset systems by defining their unbreachable boundaries.
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