What is a 51% Attack?. A 51% attack happens when a single party controls enough hashing or validating power to rewrite recent blocks and double‑spend.
How it works
Attackers privately mine or validate an alternative chain, then release it to replace the public one if it is longer or has more weight.
Why it matters
Understanding this risk helps you judge settlement depth and network decentralization.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming confirmations equal instant finality
- Relying on single‑miner or validator pools
- Accepting large payments with minimal confirmations
Quick example
A business waits for more confirmations before releasing high‑value goods on a chain with concentrated hash power.
See also
- Finality
- Mining
- Staking
TL;DR: What is a 51% Attack? defined in plain English with practical next steps.
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