SAMARAM Group
Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Security, Risk and Smart-Contract Audit

10.1 Multi-Layer Threat Model

Threat layer Examples Primary control
Private keys Theft, loss, insider Multisig + HSM
Smart contract Logic bugs, reentrancy, access control Audit + formal verification
Oracle Data manipulation, downtime Multi-source + circuit breaker
Bridge / cross-chain Bridge attacks Minimise dependency or specialised audit
Custody Custodian failure Licensed custodian + insurance
Governance Vote capture, malicious upgrade Timelock + multisig

10.2 Risk Score Algorithm (Educational)

Risk Score = Likelihood × Impact × Exposure
Example: 4 × 5 × 0.8 = 16

This is only a sample scoring method, not a global standard. Each organisation should define its own risk matrix.

10.3 Key Recommended Controls

  • Multisig + HSM for sensitive keys
  • Timelock for critical changes (minimum 48–72 hours)
  • Pause mechanism with transparent governance
  • Invariant testing and fuzzing in CI
  • Independent audit (at least one, preferably two)
  • 24/7 monitoring and alerting
  • Disaster recovery and segregation of duties
  • Bug bounty after go-live
10 / 15