Sybil Protection

Definition ∞ Sybil protection refers to mechanisms designed to prevent a single entity from creating multiple fake identities to gain disproportionate influence within a decentralized system. Such attacks, known as Sybil attacks, can undermine consensus, voting, or reputation systems. Effective protection ensures that each participant holds only one identity or a limited number of verifiable identities. This defense is crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of distributed networks.
Context ∞ In blockchain and decentralized governance, Sybil protection is a fundamental security requirement for protocols relying on distributed consensus or democratic voting. News often covers various approaches to Sybil resistance, including proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, or unique identity solutions. The ongoing challenge for many networks involves strengthening these defenses to prevent malicious actors from subverting system integrity.