Eclipse Attack

An eclipse attack is a specialized cyberattack that targets a specific node within a cryptocurrency network. By isolating the targeted node from the rest of the network, the attacker can control and manipulate the information received and sent by this node. This is done by flooding the node with malicious IP addresses, causing it to connect exclusively with attacker-controlled nodes. As a result, the attacker can trick the isolated node into validating false transactions, potentially leading to issues like double-spending or disrupting mining operations. Although relatively rare due to the decentralized nature of blockchain networks, understanding and preventing eclipse attacks is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of a cryptocurrency system.