51% Attack
Network Vulnerability
51% Attack refers to a security breach in a blockchain network where a single entity or coordinated group gains control of more than 50% of the network’s mining or validation power. This majority control allows the attacker to manipulate the blockchain by altering transaction confirmations or rewriting parts of the chain.
Use Case: A security-conscious investor prefers networks like DigiByte or Bitcoin that use high decentralization and diversified mining to reduce the likelihood of 51% attacks, avoiding chains that rely on a few powerful validators.
Key Concepts:
- Double-Spend Attack — Reusing the same coins across multiple transactions via chain reorgs.
- Network Hashrate — Total computational power securing the network.
- Validator Centralization — A security flaw where few actors control majority consensus.
- Proof of Work Security — Defense relies on energy-intensive distributed mining.
- Blockchain Sovereignty — Resilience depends on decentralization and transparency.
Summary: A 51% Attack exposes the critical trade-off between decentralization and control. It’s a reminder that network security depends on true distributed power — not just code or branding — and that sovereignty begins with participation.