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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).

How Is a Double-Spend Similar to a Bank Overdraft, and How Is It Different?
How Can an Options Trader Use a “Synthetic Short” Position to Achieve a Similar Outcome to a Double-Spend?
What Is ‘Proof of Work’ and Why Is It Used?
Can a Miner Choose to Process a Transaction with a Zero Fee?