Third-Party Vulnerability

Definition ∞ A third-party vulnerability is a weakness or flaw present in software, hardware, or services provided by an external entity. This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise a system or data. Its presence poses a risk even if the primary system itself is secure. Addressing these external dependencies is vital for comprehensive security.
Context ∞ In the cryptocurrency ecosystem, third-party vulnerabilities are a significant concern, affecting exchanges, wallets, and decentralized applications. News often highlights incidents where a breach in a connected service provider leads to the compromise of user funds or sensitive data. This underscores the interconnected risk landscape and the importance of due diligence in selecting service providers.