Please describe your proposed solution
Problem Perception
- The rapid growth of the Cardano ecosystem has created a heightened need for robust security, but there's a noticeable gap in training programs specifically designed for auditors and security researchers. This gap is compounded by a lack of structured and comprehensive documentation on security-related topics such as vulnerability and weakness reports, best practices, developer pitfalls, and auditing techniques. As a result, vulnerabilities and security risks could increase, potentially leading to security breaches that would impact both the Cardano community and its broader adoption, ultimately hindering the growth and security of the ecosystem.
Our Approach
- To address this problem, we propose the creation of a platform called Cardano Threat Intelligence (CTI), which leverages the Andamio education system to provide specialized training for auditors and security researchers. The CTI platform will offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through interactive workshops, hands-on exercises, and project-based learning. By focusing on the Student Learning Target (SLT), the platform ensures that participants gain valuable skills in a real-world context while reinforcing a structured framework for security education and threat intelligence. This unique approach aims to bridge the security knowledge gap in the Cardano ecosystem, equipping users with the tools needed to identify, mitigate, and address potential security vulnerabilities.
Who Will Engage with Our Project
- Our project will engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including developers, auditors, security researchers, and community members interested in contributing to Cardano's security. We aim to create an accessible platform that attracts individuals who wish to advance their skills and play an active role in enhancing the security of the Cardano ecosystem. The training programs will cater to users at different skill levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. Additionally, the platform will appeal to those who want to become CTI watchdogs—responsible for monitoring, finding, documenting, mitigating, and disclosing vulnerabilities within the ecosystem.
How We Will Demonstrate Impact
- To demonstrate the impact of our platform, we will track several key metrics to measure progress and success. These metrics include user enrollment and completion rates, which monitor how many individuals enroll in and complete our training programs, and the growth in the number of trained auditors and security researchers. We'll also track the creation and utilization of the CTI knowledge base, focusing on the successful identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. Additionally, we will monitor security incident reduction in the Cardano ecosystem to understand the platform's impact on real-world outcomes. Gathering community feedback from users and broader stakeholders will be crucial in assessing the platform's effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
Unique Aspects of Our Solution
- Our solution is unique because it combines a dedicated platform for Cardano-focused security education with structured learning and practical engagement. Leveraging the Andamio platform allows for a flexible and interactive learning experience, fostering collaboration among users. The Cardano Threat Intelligence (CTI) platform, inspired by a Cardano Improvement Proposal (CIP) draft introduced by M. Ali Modiri to the Intersect (formerly IOG) Certification working group, aims to standardize and categorize vulnerabilities across the ecosystem. This approach has been tested and adopted by reputable auditing firms like Vacuumlabs and Mlabs, proving its effectiveness. By addressing the need for security expertise within the Cardano ecosystem, our platform contributes to the overall safety and stability of the network, benefiting all stakeholders and promoting a safer Cardano environment.
Who Will Benefit and Why It's Important to Cardano
- The primary beneficiaries of our solution will be the Cardano community, including developers, auditors, security researchers, and other stakeholders. Our platform will contribute to a safer and more secure ecosystem, addressing the urgent need for more auditors as Cardano continues to grow. By creating a robust threat intelligence system, we aim to reduce security risks and strengthen the resilience of decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and other projects. This, in turn, supports the growth and adoption of Cardano by building trust and enabling the ecosystem to scale while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Ultimately, our solution will foster innovation and growth within the Cardano ecosystem.