Price ladder attacks, also known as "price drifting" or "layering," involve placing multiple orders at incremental price levels to create a false market structure. This manipulative tactic aims to:

1. _Create a false sense of market depth_: Giving the impression of a more liquid market than actually exists.

2. _Manipulate prices_: Influencing prices by creating a false market structure.

3. _Disrupt market activity_: Interfering with other traders' orders or market operations.

Price ladder attacks can be executed by:

1. _Placing multiple limit orders_: At incremental price levels, creating a "ladder" effect.

2. _Using algorithmic trading_: To rapidly place and cancel orders, creating a false market signal.

To detect and prevent price ladder attacks, regulators and exchanges use:

1. _Trade surveillance_: Monitoring trading activity for suspicious patterns.

2. _Order book analysis_: Reviewing order book data to identify potential price ladder attacks.

3. _Market monitoring_: Analyzing market data for unusual activity.

4. _Regulatory enforcement_: Imposing penalties and fines for engaging in price ladder attacks.

5. _Market participant education_: Raising awareness about manipulative tactics and promoting fair market practices.

By addressing price ladder attacks, regulators aim to maintain a fair, transparent, and orderly market environment.