Slashing

Slashing is a crucial security feature in proof-of-stake blockchain networks. It penalizes validators by reducing their staked assets if they act maliciously or fail to follow protocol rules. This mechanism discourages harmful behavior like double-signing blocks or remaining offline when required to validate transactions. The severity of slashing can vary, from a small percentage to the complete loss of a validator's stake. By imposing financial consequences, slashing helps maintain network integrity and encourages validators to act honestly. It ensures that validators have a vested interest in the network's security and proper functioning, fostering trust among participants.