Verifiable Oracles

Definition ∞ Verifiable Oracles are decentralized services that securely provide external, real-world data to smart contracts on a blockchain. They act as a bridge between off-chain information sources and on-chain computation, ensuring that the data fed into smart contracts is accurate and tamper-resistant. Cryptographic verification mechanisms are employed to attest to the integrity of the data provided. These services are essential for enabling smart contracts to interact with real-world events and data feeds.
Context ∞ Verifiable Oracles are critical infrastructure for many decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, including derivatives, insurance, and prediction markets. Current news often highlights oracle manipulation incidents, security vulnerabilities, and the development of more robust, decentralized oracle networks. Ensuring the reliability and security of these data feeds is paramount for the stability and trustworthiness of smart contract execution.