Definition ∞ Smart Contract Auditing is the systematic and rigorous examination of smart contract code by security experts to identify vulnerabilities, logical flaws, and potential exploits. This process involves analyzing the contract’s design, implementation, and interactions with other protocols. The objective is to ensure the contract functions as intended and is resistant to malicious attacks. Auditing is a critical step before deployment.
Context ∞ Smart Contract Auditing is a frequently discussed topic in cryptocurrency news, especially given the prevalence of exploits and hacks in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. News reports often highlight the importance of thorough audits for new protocols or significant upgrades to ensure smart contract safety and prevent token holder loss. A successful audit is a key indicator of a project’s commitment to security and trustworthiness.