Definition ∞ Trustworthy Execution refers to the reliable and verifiable operation of a system or computation, ensuring that it performs precisely as intended without unauthorized interference or manipulation. This concept involves guaranteeing the integrity and authenticity of software and hardware processes, even in potentially hostile environments. It aims to build confidence that outputs are correct and unaltered. Achieving this often relies on secure hardware, cryptographic proofs, and robust verification mechanisms.
Context ∞ In the digital asset and blockchain domain, trustworthy execution is paramount for smart contracts, decentralized applications, and secure enclaves that process sensitive data or value. Ensuring that code runs exactly as written, without external tampering, is critical for maintaining the integrity of on-chain transactions and protocol logic. News often discusses new technologies and research focused on achieving higher levels of trustworthy execution to enhance the security and reliability of decentralized systems.