51% attack

A 51% attack is a scenario in which 50% of the nodes within a blockchain network are under the control of one group. Should such a scenario happen, the consensus of a network is no longer spread enough for it to work properly. This is because the blockchain is susceptible to manipulation in that case. If attackers control more than 50% of a network, they can stop, reverse and duplicate new transactions. This would be a catastrophic condition for any blockchain. A 51% attack becomes more difficult and expensive as a network grows.

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Cryptopedia: 51% attack