What Is a ‘51% Attack’?
A 51% attack is a scenario where a single entity or group gains control of more than half (51%) of the network's total mining hashrate (PoW) or staking power (PoS). This allows them to effectively control transaction ordering, prevent new transactions, and potentially reverse recent transactions (double-spend).
Glossar
Staking Power
Mechanism ⎊ Staking Power, within cryptocurrency ecosystems, represents the computational weight a participant contributes to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, directly influencing their probability of validating blocks and earning rewards.
51% Attack
Dominance ⎊ The 51% attack, within cryptocurrency contexts, represents a scenario where a single entity or coalition controls more than half of a blockchain network's hashing power or stake.
Mining Hashrate
Measurement ⎊ Mining hashrate quantifies the aggregate computational power actively engaged in solving the cryptographic puzzles required to validate transactions and secure a Proof-of-Work blockchain.