Stake Weighted Security

Definition ∞ Stake weighted security refers to a security model in Proof of Stake (PoS) systems where the influence or voting power of a network participant is directly proportional to the amount of cryptocurrency they have staked. This mechanism ensures that nodes with a larger economic commitment have a greater say in validating transactions and securing the network. It aligns incentives by making it economically costly for validators to act maliciously. This proportional influence underpins network integrity.
Context ∞ Stake weighted security is a central aspect of most modern Proof of Stake blockchains, and its implementation significantly impacts decentralization and resistance to attack. Debates often focus on the distribution of staked assets and the potential for centralization if a few large holders control a majority of the stake. News frequently covers changes to staking mechanisms or discussions about validator distribution, which directly relate to the strength and fairness of stake weighted security.