Client Profile
The client is a decentralized exchange (DEX) platform supporting multi-chain trading and staking services, with operations across the US and APAC regions. The platform holds critical digital assets, runs validator nodes, and maintains its own blockchain layer infrastructure. Following a sharp increase in transaction volumes and multiple node crashes, the client sought a comprehensive audit of its blockchain infrastructure to ensure performance, reliability, and security under scale.
Challenges Faced
Key security concerns included:
- Misconfigured validator and full nodes vulnerable to remote attacks
- Lack of monitoring across node uptime, fork handling, and performance bottlenecks
- Absence of secure key management for validator operations
- Exposure to DDoS, sybil, and network-layer attacks
Solution
COE Security implemented a customized Blockchain Infrastructure Audit, combining:
- Node & Network Configuration Review: Audited validator, archive, and RPC node setups for misconfigurations
- Key Management & Access Controls: Reviewed security of signing keys, cold wallets, and remote access protocols
- Logging & Monitoring Hardening: Implemented node telemetry, health checks, and uptime monitoring
- Protocol-Level Attack Simulation: Tested for DDoS resilience, sybil resistance, fork handling, and transaction replay issues
Resilient Infrastructure, Continuous Availability
- Hardened 25+ nodes with encrypted communication and access isolation
- Flagged critical RPC misconfiguration allowing unauthorized balance queries
- Integrated real-time monitoring for chain split, syncing issues, and missed blocks
- Secured backup processes for consensus-critical nodes and wallets
- Reduced node downtime by implementing redundancy and failover architecture
Governance, Strategy & Operational Maturity
- Developed a blockchain-specific infrastructure security baseline (aligned to NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust for Blockchain)
- Established change control and update mechanisms for node software
- Created emergency rollback and incident response playbooks
- Advised on validator decentralization and quorum configuration for improved consensus integrity
Blockchain Infrastructure Resilience Services
- Blockchain Node & Network Security Audit
- Validator Key Management & HSM Integration
- RPC & Archive Node Hardening
- Blockchain-Specific Zero Trust Architecture
- DDoS & Sybil Attack Simulation
- Blockchain Monitoring & Telemetry Solutions
- Disaster Recovery Planning for Blockchain Infra
- Consensus Algorithm Integrity Checks
- Infrastructure Code (IaC) Review for Blockchain Deployments
- Cold & Hot Wallet Security Configuration
Implementation Details
- Audited nodes across Ethereum, Polygon, and custom Cosmos SDK-based chains
- Deployed Prometheus and Grafana for blockchain performance telemetry
- Hardened validator node keys with air-gapped cold storage and MFA controls
- Simulated DDoS scenarios and tuned load balancers and firewalls accordingly
- Delivered comprehensive infrastructure audit report with prioritized risk matrix
Results Achieved
- 99.98% node uptime achieved post-hardening and monitoring integration
- Detected and mitigated 12 critical exposure points across node infrastructure
- Reduced validator slashing events by 85% due to proper sync and backup measures
- Gained stakeholder trust with secure node operations and regulatory preparedness
Client Testimonial
“COE Security’s Blockchain Infrastructure Audit brought visibility to layers we had completely overlooked. Their technical depth and practical recommendations now keep our platform resilient and available even under attack.”