Odysseus emphasized that security will transition from being an afterthought to becoming central in the adoption of web3 technologies by 2025. With traditional financial systems offering competitive yields, especially at a lower risk, institutions and everyday users are becoming more risk-averse. They are looking for safer options, illustrating a shift in priorities from high yields to security and risk management.
2. The Demand for Enhanced Security Practices
According to Odysseus, the influx of new institutional capital and the evolution of user personas indicate a stronger demand for security measures. Businesses like BlackRock and Kraken are prioritizing security in their services as they recognize that new users—whether institutions or individuals—show less willingness to tolerate high risks. This demand for security has become a differentiating factor in capturing market share in the fast-evolving crypto landscape.
3. Shortcomings of Current Security Measures
Odysseus pointed out that existing security measures, such as audits, are insufficient on their own. They tend to be sporadic and static, and while formal verification plays a role, it can be too cumbersome for rapid code changes often necessary in the crypto space. He highlighted that many security audits are expensive and don’t account for ongoing updates or vulnerabilities that may arise between audits, underscoring the need for a more dynamic approach to security.
4. The Concept of a Security Flywheel
Odysseus introduced the idea of a "security flywheel," where increased trust and security can lead to more users and capital inflow into the crypto ecosystem. This, in turn, allows builders to innovate and experiment without fear of detrimental repercussions. By improving the self-regulation of the industry through enhanced security practices, Odysseus believes that the crypto space can move away from a history riddled with scandals and hacks.
5. Proposed Framework for Hack Prevention
Odysseus shared a vision for a future where the base layer of blockchain could prevent hacks proactively. He suggested defining hacks in a clear way and enforcing security protocols that respect these definitions, which would require collaboration between developers and network nodes. Incentives for nodes to adhere to these protocols would help ensure that security is maintained continually and proactively as opposed to reactively.
6. Intuitive Security Solutions for Builders
The importance of intuitive security measures was stressed by Odysseus, who suggested that creating tools that builders are already familiar with can significantly improve adoption rates. By using established mental models and frameworks, security tools can become more user-friendly, thus reducing onboarding difficulties for developers and ensuring better integration of security into their projects.
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