Hydrolysis is a chemical process where a material breaks down due to a reaction with water. In cybersecurity and technology contexts, hydrolysis is particularly relevant to the degradation of certain plastics, such as PLA (polylactic acid), which are used in hardware components and 3D-printed devices. Over time, exposure to moisture can cause these materials to lose their structural integrity, potentially leading to device failure or security vulnerabilities if physical barriers or casings are compromised. Understanding hydrolysis is important for selecting materials that ensure the longevity and security of hardware systems.