Definition ∞ Validator set corruption describes a scenario in Proof-of-Stake blockchains where a significant portion of the active validators acts maliciously, either colluding to censor transactions or attempting to rewrite the chain’s history. This event compromises the network’s integrity and security by undermining its consensus mechanism. The corruption can occur if a single entity gains control of a majority of the staked assets or if a large group of validators conspires. Such an event threatens the fundamental trust in the blockchain.
Context ∞ Validator set corruption is a critical security risk frequently discussed in cryptocurrency news and academic research concerning Proof-of-Stake protocols. Reports often analyze the economic costs associated with corrupting a validator set and the various defense mechanisms, such as slashing and decentralization efforts, designed to prevent it. The ongoing challenge involves ensuring a sufficiently distributed and economically secure validator set to maintain the network’s integrity against such coordinated attacks.
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