Ethereum and the Bridge Vulnerability: Understanding Simply

I am MooBee, I make crypto fun and accessible. Today, let's talk about Ethereum's real weak point: bridges.

A crypto bridge is like a tunnel between two worlds, you put your money on one side, you receive an equivalent token on the other. But beware, this tunnel is not protected solely by Ethereum. It also depends on guardians, multisigs, and fragile codes. The result: hackers love it.

The evidence is huge: Poly Network ($610M), Wormhole ($320M), Ronin ($624M), Nomad ($190M). Just in 2022, over $2 billion were stolen due to these vulnerabilities.

Why? Because a bridge is only as strong as its weakest link. Vitalik said: the future will be multi-chain, but not necessarily “cross-chain.” Translation: more bridges also means more risks.

Solutions exist. Use zero-knowledge proofs (zk) that allow verifying information without trusting an external committee. Set withdrawal limits that adapt to risks. Force operators to post a bond to reimburse in case of fraud. And above all, clearly display to users the actual status of the bridge, instead of reassuring logos.

My playful idea: a “risk thermostat.” Like a gauge, it measures in real-time the coverage of the bridge. If it decreases, withdrawals automatically slow down. Simple, logical, and effective.

Conclusion: Ethereum is not broken, but its bridges are vulnerable. Securing them is protecting the entire ecosystem. The future will be multi-chain, but it must above all be safe.

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