As ZK Tech booms in Crypto, developers need to consider user security

A problem inherent to blockchain systems is their inability to scale without sacrificing security or decentralization—a concept coined by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin as the “blockchain trilemma.”

However, the emergence of zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography promises to transform the way blockchains process, encrypt and share data, offering powerful solutions that address the most formidable scaling challenges.

Stephen Webber works in product marketing at OpenZeppelina crypto cyber security technology and services company.

ZK technology, such as zk-proofs (ZKP), verifies data without revealing information beyond what is necessary to prove the truth of the data. This makes them an ideal component in privacy protocols and digital IDs where data protection is critical.

However, in the context of blockchain scaling, ZKPs can be used in conjunction with rollups to process transactional data off-chain and generate a compact proof of validity – greatly improving data efficiency and potentially ending the blockchain trilemma.

Thanks to its limitless potential across a myriad of services, ZK tech has in recent months gone from a relative niche to a cornerstone of the Web3 infrastructure. From tackling the scaling crisis to strengthening privacy, and even securing one of Web3’s most exploited attack vectors via trustless cross-chain bridges, ZK technology offers far more than many appreciate at this point.

But even if it lays the technical foundation for the web of the future, there is one caveat: These systems must be well built and maintained or risk a security threat of catastrophic proportions.

Keys to security: airtight code, constant monitoring

Ensuring that ZK-powered projects work as intended requires more than just a basic understanding of the technology. Care should be taken to fully account for any low-level anomalies with respect to the EVM [Ethereum Virtual Machine] compatibility and other details regarding the functioning of relevant system components

A key aspect of building robust ZK-powered applications involves leveraging well-reviewed code from verified smart contract libraries.

By using code from trusted sources, developers can create a solid foundation for their projects without having to reinvent the wheel. These libraries are already field-tested and community-approved, which reduces the likelihood of errors and vulnerabilities in the final product.

The next major line of defense is proper code auditing. This cannot just be an internal audit carried out by the developers themselves. Instead, third-party services must be used that publish full and transparent reports on all issues found in the code. These audits must also be performed regularly, especially when changes are made to the codebase, to ensure that updates do not inadvertently introduce bugs. Having this level of comprehensive review and transparency is the foundation for keeping all users safe.

Moving forward, there is a need for systems to perform real-time monitoring of all network activity. Even with the best revision, problems can arise that only become apparent after the code is deployed and users begin to interact with it (and related protocols) over time.

Often, one of the first signs of an attack is unusual activity in the chain. By combining constant monitoring with procedures for developers to take immediate action, the response to such an incident can happen in minutes, rather than hours or even days.

The use of advanced tools can also automate security incident response in several key scenarios (eg by enabling the switch-like functionality of smart contract pause), removing the need for human intervention and avoiding these associated delays.

As more and more financial and data-driven services move to zero-knowledge technology, ensuring the reliability of these systems becomes increasingly important. Those services that prioritize user safety and take a comprehensive approach to security will lead the industry and win the trust of the growing percentage of users seeking greater agency and control over their funds and personal data.