Understanding an Audit
An audit is a process in which developers examine the underlying code and/or algorithm of systems and applications to identify potential bugs or points of failure before they are deployed. Typically, audits are conducted by third-party entities to ensure an unbiased and practical evaluation.
In the blockchain space, auditing has become a common practice, with many projects relying on audits to enhance the security of their decentralized protocols, specifically smart contracts, and assure their users or token holders.
There are two main approaches to auditing code: manual and automatic. The manual analysis involves a thorough search for coding errors and is considered the most effective method. However, it is time-consuming and requires a mid-sized development team. Automatic code analysis, however, allows for a quicker code assessment but may be less comprehensive. In the crypto industry, manual code analysis is particularly crucial as launching with undiscovered vulnerabilities could result in significant financial losses, especially for DeFi projects.
A comprehensive audit of a smart contract typically involves five key steps:
- Agreeing on a specification
- Running tests
- Using automated symbolic execution tools
- Performing manual code analysis
- Preparing a report
If you are considering an audit, view our complete list of the best smart contract audit firms.
5.0
Blockchains
- 18+
Price
- $5,000 – $150,000
Payment Options
- Crypto/Fiat/HAI
More details
Hacken is a trusted platform offering various cybersecurity services for all your cloud infrastructure of web3 business and projects. With the support and knowledge of their professional team and competitive pricing. Hacken plays a crucial role in addressing companies' security flaws in the Web3 ecosystem.
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Comprehensive security services and audits.
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Professional team experienced in cybersecurity.
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Competitive pricing and discounts.
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Highly trusted within the web3 community.
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Limited availability.
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Audits don't guarantee complete security.
More details
CertiK is a leading blockchain security firm offering comprehensive services. While their audits and reviews are trusted, the cost may hinder smaller projects. CertiK's audits don't guarantee complete security, but their reputation and innovation make them significant in the industry.
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Trusted audits for 220+ projects, securing $8B value.
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Fast delivery, sometimes within 48 hours.
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A comprehensive suite of security tools.
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Reputation as a pioneer in blockchain security.
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High costs and unaffordable for small projects.
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Incidents involving previous audited projects.
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Limited coverage may miss certain edge cases.