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Validator Security Practices

This document provides an overview of security practices for managing a validator node on the Pryzm network. These practices aim to protect your validator's infrastructure, private keys, and ensure the network's integrity and reliability.

1. Infrastructure Security​

  1. Server Hardening

    • Use a secure operating system and keep it up to date with security patches.
    • Disable unnecessary services and close unused ports.
    • Implement a firewall to allow only necessary inbound and outbound connections.
    • Enable logging and monitoring to detect and respond to potential security threats.

  2. Secure Network Configuration

    • Regularly review and update network configurations to mitigate vulnerabilities.
    • Implement secure network encryption for data transmission.
    • Utilize strong passwords and avoid default credentials.
    • Enable two-factor authentication for remote access to your server.

  3. Secure File Storage and Backup

    • Encrypt sensitive files, such as private keys and configuration files.
    • Store backups in a secure, offline location to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Regularly test and verify the integrity of your backups.

  4. Dedicated Hardware

    • Consider using dedicated hardware or virtual private servers for your validator node to isolate it from other potentially compromised systems.
    • Avoid running other non-validator-related applications on the same infrastructure to reduce the attack surface.

2. Private Key Management​

  1. Private Key Storage

    • Use a hardware wallet or hardware security module (HSM) to securely store private keys offline.
    • Implement encryption and strong access controls for any stored private keys.
    • Limit access to private keys to trusted individuals only.

  2. Key Backups

    • Create encrypted backups of your private keys and securely store them offline.
    • Regularly test the restoration process to ensure the validity and accessibility of your backups.

  3. Key Sharing

    • Avoid sharing private keys with unauthorized individuals.
    • Utilize multi-signature (multisig) schemes to require multiple signatures for key operations, increasing security.

  4. Key Rotation

    • Regularly rotate your validator node's private keys to minimize the potential impact of a compromised key.
    • Follow best practices for key rotation procedures.

3. Sentry Nodes and Horcrux​

  1. Sentry Nodes

    • Set up sentry nodes as an additional layer of protection for your validator node.
    • Sentry nodes act as relays between your validator and the network, reducing the risk of direct exposure to potential attacks.
    • Monitor and secure your sentry nodes following the same security practices as your validator node.

  2. Horcrux

    • Horcrux is a backup and failover mechanism for validator nodes.
    • Implement Horcrux to create redundancy by running multiple instances of your validator node.
    • Distribute these instances across different locations or servers to ensure high availability and protection against single points of failure.

4. Regular Security Audits and Updates​

  1. Regular Audits

    • Perform security audits of your validator node infrastructure, configurations, and processes.
    • Engage with external security auditors or penetration testers to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.

  2. Keep Software Up to Date

    • Regularly update your validator software and dependencies to incorporate the latest security patches and bug fixes.
    • Stay informed about security updates from the network's development team and apply them promptly.

  3. Network Alerts and Notifications

    • Subscribe to network alerts and notifications to stay informed about potential security threats, upgrades, and important announcements.
    • Actively monitor the network's official communication channels and security advisories.

  4. Educate Validator Operators

    • Stay informed about emerging security practices and threats in the blockchain ecosystem.
    • Educate yourself and your team on best practices for secure validator node management.
    • Foster a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement among validator operators.

Remember, security practices should be tailored to the specific situation and its recommended guidelines. Stay proactive, regularly review and update security measures, and leverage the expertise of the blockchain community to enhance the security of your validator node.