Lex chats with Richard Ma, CEO of Quantstamp -a leading blockchain security company. Richard kicks off by discussing the origins of the company and the importance of security in the blockchain space. He explains that the idea for Quantstamp came after he invested in Ethereum and witnessed the hack of the DAO, which prompted him to focus on the security side of Ethereum. Richard describes how Quantstamp conducts audits of blockchain projects, identifying vulnerabilities and providing recommendations for improvement. He emphasizes the importance of reading audit reports and understanding the risks associated with projects. Richard also discusses different types of adversaries in the blockchain space, including nation-state actors, developers seeking recognition, and financially motivated hackers. He believes that while established projects will become more secure over time, new experimental projects will always carry some level of risk. Richard suggests that AI-based debuggers could help improve security auditing in the future. He highlights EigenLayer, ZK-rollups, and the development on Solana as exciting sectors to watch in the coming years.
MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION
Quantstamps's Website: https://bit.ly/3Iv6zX4
Richard's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3IvaxyO
Topics: blockchain, security, audit, hacking, hacks, crypto, cryptocurrency, digital assets, Web3, DeFi
Companies: Quantstamp, Ethereum, MakerDAO, Compound, EigenLayer
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TIMESTAMPS
1’30: From High-Frequency Trading to Fintech Innovator: The Journey to Creating Quantstamp
9’26: Demystifying the Audit Process: Inside Quantstamp's Approach to Securing Blockchain Projects
15’04: The Art and Challenge of Blockchain Audits: Navigating the Complex World of Code Review
19’37: The Nomad Hack: A Case Study in Preventability and the Importance of Diligence in Code Auditing
24’39: Web3's Adversarial Landscape: Unpacking the Motivations Behind Crypto Hacks and Security Breaches
29’13: The Ethical Dilemma of Crypto Hacking: Navigating the Fine Line Between Exploitation and Market Manipulation
34’59: Exploring the Frontier: Key Innovations Shaping the Future of Blockchain in 2024 and Beyond
36’34: The channels used to connect with Richard & learn more about Quantstamp
Disclaimer here — this newsletter does not provide investment advice and represents solely the views and opinions of FINTECH BLUEPRINT LTD.
Contributors: Lex, Laurence, Matt, Farhad, Mike, Daniella
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