How Will Cosmos Hub’s $440K Grant to Zellic Strengthen Security?

December 20, 2024

The significance of maintaining robust security measures in blockchain networks cannot be understated, as vulnerabilities can lead to dramatic losses and shake investor confidence. In light of this, the Cosmos Hub has embarked on a strategic partnership with Zellic, a leading cybersecurity firm, to conduct formal security audits aimed at safeguarding its expansive ecosystem. Since its inception in 2019, the Cosmos Hub has seen remarkable growth in developer contributions and on-chain activity, making it crucial to ensure the security of its ecosystem.

Enhancing Network Security with Detailed Audits

Strategic Partnership for Comprehensive Audits

To improve the network’s security framework, Cosmos Hub’s DAO, Atom Accelerator (AADAO), sanctioned a substantial $440,000 grant to partner with Zellic for long-term security audits. This move comes as a proactive measure to address the historical lack of formal audits for essential components such as the Cosmos SDK and CosmWasm. Zellic has previously conducted audits on various parts of the Cosmos Hub ecosystem, such as Inactive Validator Set, Permissionless ICS, and Liquid Staking Module, but the new engagement will see more extensive and rigorous audits over the course of 24 months beginning in the first half of 2025.

The initial focus will be on Gaia, the binary of the Cosmos Hub, and high-risk dependencies to identify and rectify potential vulnerabilities. Through this collaboration, Cosmos Hub aims to streamline costs while ensuring a thorough inspection of its key infrastructure. This partnership is not just about one-off audits but involves continuous scrutiny and support for the engineering team, particularly during new feature launches starting from the second half of 2025.

Cost-Efficiency in Security Measures

One of the primary goals of this initiative is to reduce the overall expenditure on security audits. Over the past 18 months, Cosmos Hub expended $344.2k on individual feature audits, averaging an expenditure of $27.5k per week. However, the grant from AADAO introduces a more cost-effective solution with a 20-audit-week contract. This not only reduces the audit cost per week by 20% but also allows for unused audit weeks to roll over for a period of 24 months, offering greater financial flexibility and long-term planning.

By adopting such an efficient auditing strategy, Cosmos Hub is setting a precedent for other blockchain networks. The cost-effective nature of this partnership with Zellic ensures that security is not compromised due to financial constraints. This move also enhances the overall security posture of Cosmos Hub, making it more resilient against potential exploits and thereby protecting staked $ATOM tokens.

Positioning Cosmos Hub for Future Growth

Strengthening Developer and Project Attraction

As Cosmos Hub continues its trajectory of growth and development, the collaboration with Zellic for formal security audits is poised to significantly enhance the network’s credibility. A fortified security environment naturally attracts more projects and developers, which in turn contributes to the ecosystem’s vibrancy and utility. With $ATOM tokens already ranking 54th in market capitalization at $3.3 billion, improving security measures can only contribute positively to its value and adoption.

Developers are likely to feel more confident in building and launching innovations on Cosmos Hub, knowing that rigorous security measures are in place. This assurance can lead to increased innovation and diversification within the ecosystem, further establishing Cosmos Hub as a premier destination for decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain projects. The focus on interoperability through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol continues to be a central theme, positioning Cosmos Hub as a leader in the appchain space.

Long-Term Stability and Ecosystem Protection

The importance of maintaining strong security measures in blockchain networks cannot be overstated, as any vulnerabilities can result in significant losses and damage investor confidence. To address this critical need, the Cosmos Hub has formed a strategic partnership with Zellic, a premier cybersecurity firm known for its expertise in the field. This collaboration aims to carry out formal security audits designed to protect and secure its extensive ecosystem. Since its launch in 2019, the Cosmos Hub has experienced impressive growth in both developer participation and on-chain activity. This heightened level of activity underscores the necessity of ensuring the security and integrity of its ecosystem. As the blockchain sector continues to expand, securing the infrastructure becomes increasingly pivotal to maintain trust and encourage further development. The partnership with Zellic exemplifies the Cosmos Hub’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of security for its users and stakeholders, ensuring that its ecosystem remains robust and secure amidst rapid growth and technological advancements.

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