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Technical insights
Deep dives into smart contract vulnerabilities, blockchain security best practices, and technical research from CertiK engineers.
EducationalPutting the Fun in Non-Fungible Token: What’s an NFT Anyway?NFTs have entered the zeitgeist this year, going from an obscure usecase of blockchain technology to a major force for attracting new entrants into the world of crypto.
EducationalProof of Work vs Proof of StakeProof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) are the two most common consensus mechanisms that secure blockchain networks. The two have a lot in common. Both consensus mechanisms have the same function: validating transactions and then updating the ledger with those that conform to the network’s rules. Additionally, miners (in Proof of Work) and validators (in Proof of Stake) are both rewarded with the network’s native cryptocurrency for performing this role.
Technology analysisNavigating a CertiK Security AuditThe first time you check out a crypto security audit on the CertiK Security Leaderboard you might find the report a little daunting, confusing, and a little more like hieroglyphics than an essential asset to DYOR. Whether it’s a security audit report of your favorite ERC20, an intricate and robust DeFi audit, or you’re looking into the security of your go-to NFT platform, we’re here to help you navigate any CertiK audit like a champ.
Technology analysisTransaction Operations for a Common Token TransferWhen it comes to Ethereum, the first thing that comes to mind may well be “gas fee”. Nowadays, the mainnet of major blockchain projects are online, and their synonyms for ‘transaction fees’ are often inseparable from the word “gas”. The high gas fee has always been a sore point for blockchain transactions, especially for smaller scale investors. With the increase of blockchain projects and the expansion of the market, the number of transactions on the blockchain and the average gas consumption of transactions has increased.
Technology analysisAsk the Expert: Xinyuan SunThe CertiK Team is truly international. With a team which reflects the decentralised nature of a blockchain itself, we’re able to achieve incredible results when it comes to innovation in the blockchain security space. Not least because of people like Xinyuan, the latest team member in our Ask the Expert series. 
Technology analysisA Certified Version of the Uniswap V2 Contract: A Leap Forward in True DecentralizationOur research team at CertiK is excited to share our certified version of Uniswap V2, the provably correct, certified version that replaces trusted parties with cryptography, formal methods-driven program constructs, and game-theoretical incentive alignment. For those inclined, we’ve put together a detailed explanation of our research in this article.
Technology analysisHow to Prepare for a Security AuditSecurity audits have cemented themselves as a necessary tool in the arsenal of every type of blockchain-based project when it comes to securing their protocol and, importantly, their user’s funds.
EducationalAudit Complete - XEND FinanceThe CertiK Security Team has successfully completed an audit of XEND Finance’s smart contract’s delta related to the rewarding group creator. The code in the audit is comprised of code related to rewarding a group's creator with a percentage of the commission fee as well as to track total $XEND token rewards. A summary of the audit and its findings follows up.
EducationalHow to Make the Most of Remote WorkEchoing the distributed nature of blockchain, the CertiK team have worked from a variety of locations around the world from day one. Remote working can be, and has been, a huge change for a lot of us. With this in mind, let’s turn to some of the CertiK team to learn their top-tips when it comes to working remotely.
EducationalZenfuse - Token Timelock Security Verification The Zenfuse Team has successfully undergone an audit of their ‘Token Timelock’, an ERC-20 timebased lock mechanism most often utilized to release developer funds at a certain point in the future. A summary of the audit and its findings as documented by the CertiK Professional Services Division follows up.
EducationalCertiK 101: Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs)Ethereum Foundation’s infrastructure empowers its users to take part in shaping its future whilst maintaining and promoting a decentralized standpoint. Therefore, when it comes to Ethereum upgrades and improvements, all originate from the community, naturally in a transparent and public manner. Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) are the means through which network updates and application standards are discussed and developed.
EducationalCertiK 101: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)Over $150M worth of NFTs has been traded so far. The popular ERC721 standard is here to stay and here's everything you should know about it to stay ahead of the curve!