Delayed Proof of Work (dPoW) is a security mechanism used in some cryptocurrencies to enhance their resistance to attacks. In dPoW, transactions are notarized by being recorded onto a higher-level blockchain, typically that of a more established and secure cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
This process involves periodically taking a snapshot of the state of the cryptocurrency’s blockchain and embedding it into the Bitcoin blockchain, thus creating a backup of the cryptocurrency’s transaction history. This backup adds an extra layer of security by making it more difficult for attackers to alter or reverse transactions on the original blockchain.
By leveraging the security of a larger, more established blockchain like Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies using dPoW can significantly reduce the risk of various attacks, such as 51% attacks or long-range attacks. Additionally, dPoW helps ensure the integrity and immutability of the blockchain by creating a decentralized and distributed backup system for verification and validation of transactions.