Zawy’s Alternating Timestamp Attack

It emphasizes the need for any proposed mechanism to function effectively even in conditions far more challenging than those currently experienced. A specific rule that suggested a 600-second penalty for blocks violating a -10 second guideline is considered problematic, especially when the median delay exceeds 5 seconds. Consequently, the suggestion is to eliminate this rule while retaining the approach of prioritizing mining on blocks with the most accurate timestamps.

This strategy encourages miners to switch their efforts to a block with a more timely timestamp if it closely follows another block, potentially indicating a selfish mining attack or simply a well-connected part of the mining network. This mechanism aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the mining process by adapting to real-time circumstances, such as attacks or network delays, ensuring that miners align their efforts with the most accurately timed block available.