Security Regression

Definition ∞ Security regression describes the reintroduction of a previously fixed vulnerability or the creation of new security flaws as a result of changes, updates, or new code deployments within a digital asset system. This occurs when modifications inadvertently compromise existing security measures or introduce new weaknesses that were not present in prior versions. Preventing security regressions requires diligent testing and continuous integration practices. It represents a degradation of the system’s security posture over time.
Context ∞ Security regressions are a significant concern in the rapid development cycles of blockchain projects, occasionally reported in crypto news when updates lead to unexpected vulnerabilities. Development teams often employ automated testing frameworks and continuous security audits to detect and prevent these regressions. The challenge lies in balancing the need for rapid iteration and feature deployment with maintaining a consistently high level of security across all versions of a protocol.