Transaction Hijacking

Definition ∞ Transaction hijacking is a type of cyberattack where an unauthorized party intercepts and alters the details of a legitimate transaction before it is finalized. In digital asset contexts, this can involve manipulating the recipient address or the amount of cryptocurrency being sent. Attackers may employ various methods, such as malware on user devices or sophisticated network intrusions, to achieve this. The successful execution of transaction hijacking results in the illicit redirection of funds.
Context ∞ The threat of transaction hijacking is a persistent concern within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, particularly for users interacting with less secure interfaces or platforms. Ongoing discussions focus on the efficacy of different security measures, including hardware wallets and transaction verification protocols, in mitigating these risks. Awareness campaigns educating users about the indicators of potential hijacking attempts are considered vital for prevention.