Coinbase Offers Free Security Reviews for Apps on Base Chain

Coinbase has announced that its protocol security team will provide free security reviews to selected apps and protocols building on the Base chain, currently in beta.

This initiative follows a similar campaign by Arbitrum, which allocated $14 million in ARB tokens for subsidizing security audits for network projects, distributing 30 million ARB tokens over 12 months after DAO approval.

Enhancing Network Security

Base Chain aims to onboard the next billion users on-chain, empowering builders with tools to develop secure and reliable apps and protocols. Last year, it initiated free on-chain monitoring for Base builders through Hexagate. Now, it plans to extend security support for apps within the network.

Participating teams will receive a scoped review, security recommendations, and assistance to enhance their security posture at no charge. A blog post from the company stated, “We’re extending our security offering upstream by proactively supporting builders in their security practices—reviewing their smart contracts during the development process and helping to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities before they become critical issues.”

Additionally, the blog highlighted that Coinbase’s Protocol Security team (ProtoSec) has conducted extensive audits across various DeFi protocols and is developing a streamlined process targeting high-risk areas, utilizing static analysis and advanced AI-based tools.

The beta program aims to offer complimentary security reviews to help builders fortify their protocols, leveraging the deep expertise of Coinbase’s security team.

Collaborating with Other Blockchains

Coinbase’s announcement coincides with the launch of Arbitrum’s Audit Program, which allocated $14 million in ARB tokens to support smart contract audits for blockchain projects.

The program’s main goals are to enhance ecosystem security and make security audits financially accessible.

Besides Arbitrum and Base, other blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and BSC also provide similar security support. Ethereum’s community enjoys backing from the Ethereum Foundation via the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, though it does not offer free security reviews explicitly.

Ethereum’s ecosystem supports security through community tools and endeavors such as MythX, a security analysis platform offering both free and paid audit services for developers.

Polygon supports its developer ecosystem by offering grants, partnerships, and collaborations with security firms like CertiK and OpenZeppelin for discounted audits on its Layer-2 solution.

Solana’s ecosystem also focuses on security, partnering with auditing firms and providing grants for security audits to promising projects.