Definition ∞ The illicit expenditure or transfer of digital assets without the explicit consent or instruction of the legitimate owner. This typically occurs due to compromised private keys, vulnerabilities in smart contracts, or successful phishing attacks. It results in the irreversible loss of funds from a user’s wallet or account. Preventing such spending is a primary security objective in digital asset management.
Context ∞ Unauthorized spending is a frequent subject in reports of cryptocurrency hacks and security breaches, underscoring the critical need for robust digital asset protection. Discussions often involve enhanced wallet security features, user education on phishing prevention, and rapid response protocols for detected incidents. Future security measures focus on advanced authentication methods and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity.