Sleepy Model Security

Definition ∞ Sleepy Model Security refers to a cryptographic security property where a system remains secure even if a significant portion of its participants are offline or “sleepy” for extended periods. This model is particularly relevant for proof-of-stake blockchains where validators might not be continuously active. It ensures that the network’s integrity is preserved despite intermittent participation from nodes. The system can recover and maintain consistency without requiring all participants to be online simultaneously.
Context ∞ Sleepy Model Security is a critical design consideration for scalable and energy-efficient proof-of-stake blockchains. Discussions often center on how to achieve strong security guarantees without demanding constant online presence from all validators. Research explores various cryptographic techniques and consensus algorithm modifications to address this challenge. Ensuring security under this model is important for increasing the accessibility and decentralization of validator participation in digital asset networks.