Slashing

Slashing is a penalty mechanism used in proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains to discourage malicious behavior or protocol violations by validators.

How Slashing Works

In PoS networks, validators lock up tokens (stake) to help secure the network. If a validator behaves dishonestly, like double-signing blocks, staying offline, or attacking the network, a portion of their staked tokens is automatically destroyed or “slashed.” The amount slashed varies depending on the severity of the offense and the rules of the specific blockchain.

Why Slashing Is Crucial

Slashing keeps validators honest by putting real financial consequences on bad behavior. It enhances the security and reliability of PoS systems by making attacks or negligence costly. For delegators who entrust their tokens to validators, slashing is also a reason to choose trustworthy, well-maintained validators.