ZachXBT Calls Out Cetus Hacker Bounty Structure: “Unfair & Ineffective”
Crypto investigator @ZachXBT isn't holding back.
In a recent post covered by PANews, the well-known on-chain sleuth slammed the Cetus project’s $5 million hacker bounty, calling it "unrealistic" and structurally flawed.
The Issue:
Bounty size: $5 million
Condition: Payable only if the hacker is successfully caught
Criticism: No compensation for effort or risk unless there's a full resolution
ZachXBT argues this model places all the risk on security experts and none on the victims. Analysts and white-hats are expected to invest time, resources, and reputational risk upfront—with no guarantee of reward.
> “That’s not how professional firms operate,” he noted.
His Proposed Fix:
1. Hourly Compensation: Fair payment for initial research time
2. Success-Based Bonus: An outcome-driven reward if the hacker is identified or caught
This dual-structure, widely used by top-tier security firms, balances the risk-reward ratio and attracts real talent.
Why This Matters:
Flawed bounties discourage skilled participation
Industry suffers when trust is undermined by vague promises
Jurisdiction issues + weak enforcement often block final outcomes anyway
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Quick Guide: How Bounty Programs Should Work
Transparent terms upfront
Split rewards: effort + result
Defined scope and jurisdiction strategy
Community trust is built with accountability
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Will Cetus revise their bounty structure? Or are they risking credibility?
This debate highlights the need for ethical standards in crypto security.
@samczsun @SlowMist_Team @Digital Asset Pro @OroCryptoTrends
