Shared Security Model

2 min read

Pronunciation

[shaird si-kyoor-i-tee mod-l]

Analogy

A shared security model is like a city hiring the same police force to protect multiple neighborhoods. Instead of each neighborhood trying to recruit, train, and maintain its own small security team (which would be inefficient and potentially inadequate), they pool resources to fund a professional, well-equipped force that protects all neighborhoods equally. This gives even the newest, smallest neighborhoods the same high level of security as established areas, while allowing each to maintain its own unique character and local rules.

Definition

A architecture where multiple chains leverage the same and mechanism for security, allowing specialized chains to benefit from the security guarantees of a larger network without maintaining independent sets. Shared security enables smaller or newer chains to achieve robust security from inception.

Key Points Intro

Shared security enables specialized chains to leverage collective security while maintaining functional independence.

Key Points

Allows multiple chains to leverage the same validator set for transaction validation and consensus.

Provides smaller or newer chains with security guarantees comparable to established networks.

Reduces the bootstrapping challenge for specialized chains by removing the need to recruit independent validators.

Maintains distinct execution environments and governance while sharing consensus security.

Example

In the ecosystem, parachains like Acala and Moonbeam leverage shared security through the . Rather than recruiting their own validators, these specialized chains have their blocks validated by 's validators, inheriting the security of the entire network while maintaining independent environments for their specific applications.

Technical Deep Dive

Shared security architectures implement several key mechanisms: (1) production systems where specialized chains (like parachains or zones) create their own blocks; (2) Validation protocols where a common verifies these blocks according to chain-specific rules; (3) Cross-chain coordination through a hub or that manages assignments and cross-chain communication; and (4) Economic alignment through on the security-providing chain. Implementation approaches include mandatory shared security where all connected chains must use the common (like 's model), optional security sharing where chains can choose to leverage shared validators (like ' proposed ), and hybrid models where chains gradually transition from shared to independent security as they mature. The technical challenges include efficient verification of chain-specific rules by validators who serve multiple chains, coordinating assignments across numerous chains, and maintaining appropriate economic incentives that align behavior with the security of all protected chains. Advanced implementations incorporate features like fraud proofs for lightweight validation, specialized verification circuits for different chain types, and dynamic security allocation based on chain requirements and economic value.

Security Warning

While shared security provides advantages for individual chains, it creates systemic concentration in the overall ecosystem. If the shared were compromised, it could potentially affect all chains simultaneously. When evaluating shared security systems, carefully assess the distribution, economic incentives, and governance processes of the security-providing chain.

Caveat

Shared security typically involves trade-offs including reduced sovereignty, as chains become dependent on the security-providing chain's and governance processes. It may also create capacity constraints as the must process blocks from multiple chains, potentially limiting overall throughput. Additionally, shared security often involves economic costs as chains must typically pay for the security services either through locking or ongoing .

Related Terms

Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Glossary

Shared Security Model - Related Articles