Security features of the Taiko architecture

Taiko's security architecture integrates multiple advanced features to ensure the security, efficiency, and decentralization of the protocol, while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum. These security measures are specifically designed to protect the integrity of the network, safeguard user transactions, and ensure the system can effectively scale without compromising its underlying security principles.

Zero-knowledge proof Rollup (ZK-Rollups)

ZK-Rollups has been mentioned before. In terms of security, they are also a powerful component, allowing transaction data to be processed off-chain, while only submitting the encrypted proof (ZK-SNARKs) to the Ethereum mainnet.

ZK-Rollups use Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (ZK-SNARKs) to verify transactions without revealing any details about them, which helps ensure that the validity of these transactions can be confirmed on-chain even if the transaction data is processed off-chain. ZK-SNARKs prove that the computation has been correctly executed without exposing actual data, thereby maintaining privacy and security.

By reducing the on-chain data load, it ensures that the entire state of the Rollup can be reconstructed from these proofs. This ensures that the Layer 2 chain is always consistent with the Ethereum mainnet, preventing tampering with off-chain data.

Taiko's architecture is designed to dynamically adjust security levels according to network demands. Initially, more cost-effective proofs can be used, but as the network grows and more professional security is needed, it can transition to more secure ZK proofs. This adaptability ensures that Taiko can scale its security measures according to the evolving network demands.

Based on the controversial Rollup (BCR) architecture

The BCR architecture in Taiko introduces a multi-proof system in which multiple types of proofs can be generated and disputed. The BCR architecture ensures that if a block is suspected to be invalid, it can be challenged. Each attestation layer in the system is associated with a validity bond that the prover must issue. In the event of a successful challenge proof, the original prover will lose their bond, which will be awarded to the challenger. This mechanism adds an economic dimension to security because it discourages the submission of fraudulent proofs by making it economically risky.

Permissionless system

Taiko's permissionless and decentralized proof system is an important security feature because it allows any participant with sufficient computing resources to become a provers, decentralizing the process and reducing the risk of centralization. Multiple provers generate proofs in parallel, and the first prover to submit a valid proof is rewarded. This competitive environment ensures that the network remains secure and only accepts accurate proofs.

Guardian Provers and Decentralization

Guardian Proofers serve as an additional layer of security in the early stages of network deployment. They are multi-signature signatories responsible for supervising the highest level of proof and ensuring the integrity of the system during the initial deployment phase. The role of Guardian Proofers is temporary and is intended to be phased out gradually as the system matures and becomes more stable.

This phased approach allows Taiko to balance security and decentralization while the network is still in its early stages. As time goes on and the ZK-Rollup system becomes more tested and reliable, the demand for guardians and attestors will decrease, moving towards a fully decentralized and self-sustaining security model. When a block is proposed, it enters a cooling-off period during which any participant can challenge the validity of the proof provided by the attestor.

By combining these features, Taiko's architecture provides a secure, scalable, and decentralized platform for building and operating Ethereum-compatible applications. The combination of ZK-Rollups, BCR architecture, decentralized proof-of-stake system, and the gradual introduction of guardian validators ensures that Taiko can maintain high security standards while providing the flexibility needed to adapt to changing network demands.

Highlights

• Security Architecture: Taiko uses zero-knowledge proof Rollup and multi-proof system to ensure a high level of security while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum.
• Decentralization Strategy: Taiko emphasizes decentralization through permissionless proposers and validators, a decentralized governance model, and a multi-proof system to prevent power centralization.
• Proposers and validators: These roles contribute to the operation of the network, with proposers organizing transactions and validators verifying transactions through cryptographic proof.
• Dispute Mechanism: This mechanism is crucial for protecting the network, allowing participants to challenge invalid proofs and maintain the integrity of the blockchain.
• Community Involvement: Taiko's architecture aims to actively involve the community in the security and governance of the network, ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience.