Overview
Forta is a decentralized, community-based monitoring network designed to detect threats and anomalies in real-time across various blockchain ecosystems, including DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, governance mechanisms, and cross-chain bridges. By providing timely alerts on security, financial, operational, and governance-related events, Forta enables protocols and investors to respond swiftly to potential threats, thereby minimizing risks and preventing substantial losses.
History
Launched in early 2021, Forta was incubated by OpenZeppelin, a prominent blockchain security firm. The project attracted significant investment, securing $23 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from other notable investors such as Coinbase Ventures, Blockchain Capital, and Digital Currency Group. In November 2021, Forta expanded its reach by launching the Forta App and Explorer to a global audience.
Architecture
Forta’s network architecture comprises two primary components: detection bots and scan nodes.
Detection Bots
Detection bots are specialized programs that monitor blockchain data to identify specific events or patterns indicative of potential threats or anomalies. Developers create these bots to focus on various security aspects, such as large token transfers, contract vulnerabilities, or unusual transaction behaviors. To ensure quality and prevent misuse, developers are required to stake a minimum amount of FORT tokens for each bot they deploy.
Scan Nodes
Scan nodes act as the operational backbone of the Forta Network, running the detection bots and processing blockchain data. They listen to blocks and transactions from supported blockchains, execute the assigned detection bots, and publish any alerts generated. Operators of scan nodes must stake a requisite amount of FORT tokens, aligning their incentives with the network’s security and reliability.
Supported Blockchains
Forta supports multiple Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchains, including:
- Ethereum
- Polygon
- BNB Chain
This multi-chain support enables Forta to provide comprehensive monitoring across diverse blockchain environments, enhancing the security of various decentralized applications and protocols.
FORT Token
The FORT token is integral to Forta’s ecosystem, serving several key functions:
- Staking: Both detection bot developers and scan node operators are required to stake FORT tokens, which helps ensure commitment to the network’s integrity and performance.
- Incentives: Stakers can earn rewards for their contributions to network security and reliability.
- Governance: FORT token holders participate in the network’s governance, influencing decisions related to protocol upgrades, policy changes, and other critical aspects.
The tokenomics of FORT are designed to foster a secure, efficient, and community-driven monitoring network.
Forta Firewall
In its ongoing efforts to enhance blockchain security, Forta introduced the Forta Firewall, an AI-driven transaction risk scoring engine. This tool analyzes transactions before execution, identifying and blocking high-risk transactions to prevent potential exploits. The Forta Firewall integrates seamlessly with protocols and rollups, offering a robust layer of protection while preserving user privacy and adherence to Ethereum’s principles of openness and censorship resistance.
Community and Governance
Forta operates as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), with its community playing a pivotal role in its development and governance. Through the governance forum, FORT token holders discuss proposals, vote on key decisions, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the network. This community-driven approach ensures that Forta remains adaptable and responsive to the evolving security needs of the Web3 ecosystem.
