Sybil attack

A Sybil attack occurs when a single entity creates multiple fake identities to take over a network. This can disrupt operations by allowing the attacker to manipulate decisions or gain disproportionate influence. For example, in a voting system, one person could create numerous fake accounts to sway the results. This threat is particularly relevant in decentralized systems like cryptocurrencies or peer-to-peer networks, where trust is based on the number of participants. To mitigate this risk, systems often use methods to verify identities or implement mechanisms that limit the influence of any single user.