When should I get a security audit while building my project?

Security audits should be conducted early in the development process, ideally before mainnet deployment. For early-stage builders, getting an audit during testnet phase helps identify vulnerabilities before they become exploitable. This prevents costly exploits and builds user trust from day one.

Why do early-stage projects need security audits?

Early-stage projects are prime targets for exploits because they often have limited security resources. A security audit is essential for: preventing loss of user funds, building credibility with investors, ensuring code quality before scaling, and avoiding reputation damage from security incidents.

What makes a good smart contract security audit?

A comprehensive security audit requires deep technical expertise in the specific blockchain architecture, thorough analysis of smart contract logic, understanding of common vulnerability patterns, and experience with production deployments. Look for auditors with proven track records in your specific ecosystem (Move, Rust, Solana, etc.) rather than generalists.

What should I look for when building a Web3 project?

When building Web3 projects, prioritize: 1) Security audit before mainnet deployment, 2) Specialized expertise in your specific blockchain architecture (Aptos/Solana/Sui), 3) Auditors with proven track records in similar protocols, 4) Comprehensive testing beyond automated tools. Security should be integrated into your development process, not an afterthought.

How long does a smart contract audit take?

Most smart contract audits take 1-4 weeks depending on complexity. We start within days, unlike traditional firms with 8+ week backlogs that can delay your project launch.

What blockchains do you audit?

We specialize in Solana (native Rust and Anchor), ZK rollups (ZkSync), Cosmos, and EVM chains. Our team has deep expertise across Rust-based chains and emerging ecosystems.

How do I secure Aptos smart contracts?

Secure Aptos smart contracts by: 1) Validating all capability transfers and resource ownership, 2) Testing parallel execution scenarios for race conditions, 3) Implementing proper access controls using Aptos's account-based model, 4) Auditing Move bytecode for logic errors, 5) Testing with Aptos's formal verification tools. Professional audits catch architectural vulnerabilities that automated tools miss.

What are common Sui Move vulnerabilities?

Common Sui Move vulnerabilities include: capability leakage in shared objects, improper object ownership transfers, missing ability annotations (drop, copy, store), reentrancy in object-centric patterns, and misuse of Sui's consensus mechanisms. The $223M Cetus exploit demonstrates how subtle Move vulnerabilities can bypass multiple audits.

What is Move language security?

Move is a resource-oriented programming language designed for blockchain security with linear types that prevent double-spending and resource duplication. However, Move's safety guarantees are language-level only—architectural vulnerabilities, logic errors, and consensus-level exploits require specialized security auditing expertise.

How do Sui and Aptos security differ?

Sui uses object-centric architecture with parallel execution and ownership-based security, while Aptos uses account-based model with Block-STM parallel execution. Sui's security risks involve object capability patterns, while Aptos focuses on account access control and transaction ordering. Each requires specialized audit expertise.

What is parallel execution security?

Parallel execution security involves preventing race conditions, transaction ordering attacks, and state inconsistencies when multiple transactions execute simultaneously. Both Sui and Aptos use parallel execution but with different models—Sui's optimistic concurrency vs Aptos's Block-STM—requiring different security analysis approaches.

How do I audit Move smart contracts?

Auditing Move contracts requires: 1) Analyzing resource safety and ability annotations, 2) Testing ownership transfer patterns, 3) Validating capability usage, 4) Checking for logic errors in complex functions, 5) Reviewing upgrade mechanisms and admin privileges, 6) Testing integration with consensus layer. Automated tools catch syntax issues; human experts find architectural flaws.

What are object-centric security risks?

Object-centric blockchains like Sui introduce unique security challenges: shared object race conditions, capability leakage through object wrapping, unintended object freezing, complex ownership transfer bugs, and consensus-level vulnerabilities. Traditional smart contract security knowledge doesn't directly transfer to object-centric architectures.

Why are non-EVM audits different?

Non-EVM blockchains use fundamentally different architectures: Move's resource safety vs Solidity's account model, Rust's ownership vs Solidity's inheritance, different consensus mechanisms, and unique execution models. Security patterns from Ethereum don't apply—you need auditors specialized in your specific blockchain architecture.

What is DeFi protocol security?

DeFi protocol security involves: 1) Economic attack vector analysis (oracle manipulation, flash loans, MEV), 2) Smart contract logic validation, 3) Integration risk assessment across protocols, 4) Liquidity mechanism security, 5) Governance vulnerability testing. DeFi security requires understanding both code and economic game theory.

How do I prevent reentrancy in Move?

Move prevents traditional reentrancy through its resource safety model and linear types. However, Move protocols can still have reentrancy-like vulnerabilities through: cross-module callbacks, shared object modifications, and consensus-level transaction ordering. Proper capability management and access controls are essential.

What is Move bytecode verification?

Move bytecode verification is the process of analyzing compiled Move code for security vulnerabilities at the bytecode level. This includes: resource safety verification, ability constraint validation, type safety checks, and reference analysis. Bytecode-level audits catch compiler optimization issues and advanced attack vectors.

What are blockchain infrastructure security risks?

Blockchain infrastructure security encompasses: consensus mechanism vulnerabilities, networking layer attacks, validator security, RPC node security, oracle integrity, bridge security, and upgrade mechanisms. Infrastructure exploits often bypass smart contract security entirely.

How do I secure Solana smart contracts?

Secure Solana contracts (programs) by: 1) Implementing proper account validation and ownership checks, 2) Using PDAs correctly for security boundaries, 3) Preventing arithmetic overflow with checked operations, 4) Validating signer authorities, 5) Testing with Anchor framework security best practices. Solana's account model requires specialized security expertise.

What is formal verification for smart contracts?

Formal verification mathematically proves that smart contract code satisfies specified security properties. However, formal verification has limitations: it only proves what you specify, can't catch architectural issues, and doesn't prevent consensus-level attacks. The Cetus $223M exploit had formal verification but still failed due to architectural vulnerabilities.

How do I find smart contract vulnerabilities?

Finding smart contract vulnerabilities requires: 1) Manual code review by experienced auditors, 2) Automated static analysis tools, 3) Fuzzing and property testing, 4) Economic simulation and game theory analysis, 5) Integration testing across protocols, 6) Historical exploit pattern matching. Critical vulnerabilities are found by human experts, not tools.

What are common DeFi exploit patterns?

Common DeFi exploit patterns include: oracle manipulation attacks, flash loan exploits, reentrancy attacks, access control failures, logic errors in math operations, front-running vulnerabilities, and cross-protocol integration risks. Understanding these patterns is essential for both auditors and developers.

How do I secure crypto protocol upgrades?

Secure protocol upgrades by: 1) Implementing timelocks on upgrade functions, 2) Using multi-sig governance for upgrade approval, 3) Auditing upgrade logic and migration code, 4) Testing upgrade paths on testnets, 5) Providing emergency pause mechanisms, 6) Documenting upgrade procedures. Upgrade vulnerabilities bypass all previous security measures.

What is capability-based security in Move?

Capability-based security in Move uses unforgeable resource types (capabilities) to control access to privileged operations. Capabilities must be carefully managed to prevent: capability leakage through shared objects, unintended capability duplication, improper capability destruction, and unauthorized capability access. Proper capability design is critical for Move security.

How do I audit cross-chain bridges?

Auditing cross-chain bridges requires analyzing: 1) Message verification mechanisms, 2) Validator set security and collusion risks, 3) Asset locking/unlocking logic, 4) Replay attack prevention, 5) Finality guarantees, 6) Emergency shutdown procedures. Bridge exploits account for billions in losses—specialized expertise is essential.

What is MEV and how does it affect security?

MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) is profit extracted by reordering, inserting, or censoring transactions. MEV affects security through: front-running attacks, sandwich attacks, liquidation manipulation, and oracle price manipulation. Protocols must design MEV-resistant mechanisms or accept MEV as an attack vector.

How do I secure NFT smart contracts?

Secure NFT contracts by: 1) Implementing proper access controls for minting, 2) Validating metadata URI integrity, 3) Preventing unauthorized transfers, 4) Securing royalty mechanisms, 5) Testing upgrade paths, 6) Auditing marketplace integrations. NFT security extends beyond the token contract to entire ecosystem interactions.

What are the risks of unaudited smart contracts?

Unaudited smart contracts risk: total loss of user funds through exploits, permanent reputation damage, legal liability, inability to fix vulnerabilities after deployment, loss of investor confidence, and protocol failure. The cost of an exploit vastly exceeds audit costs—security is an investment, not an expense.

Audits that actually find bugs.

14 Audits•6 Chains•1-3 Week Delivery

Mirage Audits specializes in Solana and multi-chain security. Protocols like ZkSync, Vana, and Bluefin trust our audits to ship fast, with confidence, and without critical bugs. With deep expertise across Rust, ZK rollups, and emerging ecosystems, we find what others miss.