Definition ∞ Trust management refers to the systems and processes designed to establish, maintain, and evaluate the reliability and credibility of entities within a network or system. This involves assessing past behavior, reputation, and security credentials to determine the degree of trust that can be placed in a participant. Its objective is to mitigate risks associated with untrustworthy actors. It is essential for secure interactions.
Context ∞ In crypto news, trust management is often discussed in the context of decentralized identity, reputation systems in DeFi, and the security of validator networks. Projects aim to build trustless systems, where reliance on intermediaries is minimized through cryptographic proofs and transparent protocols. The effectiveness of trust management frameworks influences the adoption and security of various digital asset applications.