VESPR - Open-Source YubiKey Hardware Wallet SDK 🔐 | Affordable Security for Cardano Users 👫

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

VESPR Team

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

9

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop an open-source SDK for YubiKey, providing a low-cost alternative for users in low-income regions to secure their Cardano assets with hardware-level security for just $25.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The entire SDK will be fully open-sourced, under MIT License.

[METADATA] Horizons

Security

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution addresses the accessibility barrier posed by expensive hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, which are often out of reach for users in low-income regions. These wallets, costing over $100, limit secure crypto storage for many. Without affordable options, users rely on insecure methods, making their assets vulnerable.

We solve this by leveraging YubiKey, a $25 hardware security device offering similar security. We will develop an open-source SDK to integrate YubiKey with Cardano, enabling users to securely manage their assets at a much lower cost.

Key Engagement:

• Low-Income Regions: Our project targets Cardano users in low-income countries who can’t afford expensive hardware wallets, offering a more secure, affordable alternative.
• Cardano Community: Developers and projects benefit from broader adoption of secure solutions, contributing to overall network security.
• ADA Holders: Both new and existing ADA holders gain access to a low-cost, high-security option for safeguarding their assets.

Impact:

• Increased Security: Adoption rates of YubiKey and reductions in security incidents will measure success.
• Broader Accessibility: Tracking adoption in low-income regions will gauge how effectively we’re making Cardano more accessible globally.
• Open-Source Contribution: The open-source SDK encourages community-driven development, aligning with Cardano’s decentralized ethos.

Uniqueness and Importance:

Our solution directly tackles the affordability barrier to hardware wallet adoption, increasing security for users who would otherwise rely on less secure methods. This makes Cardano more inclusive, especially in regions where economic constraints limit access to expensive tech. By democratizing secure wallet options, our YubiKey SDK can significantly improve global adoption and security within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will positively impact the Cardano community by making secure crypto storage more accessible, particularly in low-income regions. By offering an affordable hardware wallet solution through the YubiKey SDK, we enhance both individual security and the overall security of the Cardano network.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure success through quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Adoption Rates: Tracking how many users, especially from low-income regions, integrate the YubiKey SDK.
• User Security: Monitoring reductions in security incidents among YubiKey users versus software-only wallets.
• Community Feedback: Gathering qualitative insights from user surveys and forums to gauge satisfaction and refine the solution.
• Open-Source Contributions: Measuring forks, contributions, and integrations from developers in the Cardano ecosystem.

Sharing Outputs:

• Open-Source Availability: The YubiKey SDK will be freely available on GitHub, encouraging collaboration and further development.
• Educational Guides: We will create tutorials to simplify user and developer adoption.
• Community Engagement: Updates and results will be shared via social media, forums, and VESPR wallet channels.
• Collaborations: We will work with other Cardano projects to promote adoption and integration of the SDK.

In summary, our project will increase security, accessibility, and collaboration within the Cardano community, with measurable success shared widely to maximize its impact.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has a strong track record in delivering high-quality projects within the Cardano ecosystem, including the development of an open-source Ledger Cardano SDK for Flutter and a Dart SDK for Cardano, both used as part of the VESPR Wallet. This deep experience with hardware wallet concepts, combined with VESPR Wallet's success, demonstrates our technical competence and ability to deliver secure, reliable solutions.

Existing Capabilities:

• Technical Expertise: We’ve successfully integrated multiple hardware wallets, including Ledger and Keystone, and have a deep understanding of cryptographic standards and security protocols, positioning us well to develop the YubiKey SDK.
• Open-Source Experience: Our prior work on SDKs for Ledger and Cardano highlights our ability to contribute meaningfully to the open-source community and manage such projects effectively.

Validation & Feasibility:

We will ensure feasibility by following a structured plan:

1. R&D: Conduct a feasibility study on YubiKey integration within the Cardano ecosystem.
2. Prototype: Develop a working YubiKey SDK prototype to validate functionality like transaction signing and user authentication.
3. User Testing: Release a beta version for feedback and adjustments to meet security and usability standards.

Trust & Accountability:

• Financial Management: Funds will be managed through transparent accounting, with clear milestones and deliverables. Payments will be tied to successful completion of these deliverables.
• Regular Reporting: We will provide ongoing updates through GitHub and community channels, ensuring full visibility into the project’s progress.

With our deep experience in hardware wallet SDKs and our commitment to transparency, we are well-positioned to deliver this project effectively, ensuring both feasibility and trustworthiness.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Research and Feasibility Study

• Outputs: Conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on integrating YubiKey with Cardano, including YubiKey capabilities, Cardano SDK requirements, and technical integration challenges.
• Acceptance Criteria: A detailed technical report outlining the feasibility of the integration, proposed architecture, and development roadmap.
• Evidence: Published research report and presentation of findings.

Prototype Development

• Outputs: Develop a working prototype of the YubiKey SDK, including core functionalities such as transaction signing and wallet integration.
• Acceptance Criteria: Functional prototype that can sign Cardano transactions and interact with YubiKey.
• Evidence: Demonstration video showing successful transaction signing using the prototype.

API and SDK Finalization

• Outputs: Finalize the core SDK with complete API routes and integration documentation. Ensure the SDK supports key Cardano features such as staking and delegation.
• Acceptance Criteria: Fully functional SDK with comprehensive documentation ready for integration.
• Evidence: GitHub repository with finalized SDK code and developer documentation.

Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

• Outputs: Publish the YubiKey Cardano SDK in a way easy to add to any project ; Write documentation and simple example application.
• Acceptance Criteria: YubiKey Cardano SDK is published in pub.dev or similar ; documentation and sample app are both available
• Evidence: Link to documentation, sample app and package manager SDK will be shared

Catalyst Reporting

• Outputs: Submit a final report and closeout video summarizing the project’s achievements.
• Acceptance Criteria: Final project report and video submitted to the Cardano community.
• Evidence: Final report and video submitted to the Catalyst platform.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Alex Dochioiu | CEO & Senior Software Architect

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandru-dochioiu

Alex, founder and senior software architect of VESPR Wallet, has over 10 years of experience developing safety-critical mobile applications for major financial institutions, including American Express and Virgin Money. His extensive background ensures that VESPR adheres to industry best practices and maintains the highest technical standards. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in handling complex, mission-critical systems, ensuring smooth execution of the technical aspects of the project.

In addition to leading VESPR, Alex is a member of Cardano's Product Committee and the Cardano Blockchain Infrastructure Alliance, where he contributes to shaping the long-term vision and strategy for the Cardano blockchain. His involvement in the committee allows him to align VESPR’s development with the broader goals of the Cardano ecosystem, ensuring that both the project and the platform evolve in tandem.

Vlad Stan | Engineering Manager and Senior Software Engineer

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanvladut/

Vlad oversees the entire software development process, managing the project's lifecycle, coordinating resource allocation, and ensuring rigorous quality assurance. With a strong focus on performance and quality, he ensures that systems scale smoothly under heavy traffic, delivering reliable, high-quality user experiences while driving innovation in the engineering process.

He is a seasoned engineer and people leader with over 10 years of experience, known for effectively guiding high-performing teams on large-scale projects for high profile companies, such as Adobe. He led cross-functional teams across multiple geographies, delivering impactful projects to millions of users.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Research and Feasibility Study

• Project Manager (4.5 days @ 600 USD/day): $2,700
• Technical Researcher (10 days @ 500 USD/day): $5,000
• YubiKey Hardware Purchase (various YubiKey devices to test): $500
• Administrative Costs (legal, documentation): $1,000
• Total for Milestone 1: $9,200

Milestone 2: Prototype Development

• Lead Software Developer (30 days @ 800 USD/day): $24,000
• QA (5 days @ 700 USD/day): $3,500
• Total for Milestone 2: $27,500

Milestone 3: API and SDK Finalization

• Lead Software Developer (20 days @ 800 USD/day): $16,000
• Documentation and Tutorial Development (10 days @ 400 USD/day): $4,000
• Total for Milestone 3: $20,000

Milestone 4: Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

• Lead Software Developer (10 days @ 800 USD/day): $8,000
• QA (1 days @ 700 USD/day): $700
• Administrative Costs (legal, documentation): $1,600
• Total for Milestone 4: $10,300

Final Milestone: Catalyst Reporting

• Final Reporting & Closeout Video (3 days @ 500 USD/day): $1,500
• Legal and Compliance: $1,500
• Total for Milestone 6: $3,000

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This project offers great value for money by addressing the need for affordable hardware wallet solutions, particularly in low-income regions. By developing an open-source YubiKey SDK, we provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive wallets like Ledger and Trezor, making hardware-level security accessible for just $25 per device.

Justification of Costs:

• Skilled Expertise: Our team has already delivered open-source solutions like the Ledger Cardano SDK for Flutter, and our budget reflects competitive industry rates for blockchain developers.
• Open-Source Contribution: Releasing the SDK as open-source maximizes the value by allowing others in the Cardano ecosystem to adopt, improve, and integrate it freely, enhancing long-term impact without additional costs.
• Scalability: The SDK’s design allows widespread adoption across the ecosystem without further investment, ensuring ongoing value from the initial development.
• Competitive Rates: We’re leveraging the team’s prior experience with hardware wallets, reducing development time and costs. The budget reflects market-standard rates, ensuring efficiency and value.

Long-Term Value:

This project increases network security by making hardware wallets more accessible, especially in underserved markets. The costs are proportionate to the impact, offering long-term benefits and fostering broader adoption within the Cardano ecosystem.