Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform for Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Abdu Mohammed Kebede

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

Individual

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

6

[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 create a decentralized bug bounty platform that rewards developers for reporting vulnerabilities, fostering a proactive security culture within the Cardano ecosystem.

[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

Yes, the Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform will be open source throughout its lifecycle. We will use the MIT License, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the code. This transparency encourages community contributions, ensures security, and promotes trust within the Cardano ecosystem. The entire codebase, including documentation and user guides, will be made available in a public repository on GitHub.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is the Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform for Cardano, aimed at addressing the increasing need for security within the Cardano ecosystem. This platform will enable developers to report vulnerabilities in Cardano projects and receive rewards for their findings, thereby fostering a proactive culture of security.

We approach this issue by leveraging a decentralized model that encourages transparency and community engagement, allowing developers to easily report vulnerabilities without fear of retaliation. The platform will engage developers, project maintainers, and security enthusiasts, creating a collaborative environment focused on enhancing security.

To demonstrate our impact, we will track the number of reported vulnerabilities, the response time from projects, and the rewards distributed. Additionally, user feedback will be collected to continuously improve the platform.

The unique aspect of our solution lies in its decentralized nature, which aligns with the core values of Cardano. By incentivizing developers to actively participate in improving project safety, we aim to contribute to the overall robustness and security of the Cardano ecosystem, ultimately fostering greater trust and adoption.

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

The Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform for Cardano will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by enhancing the overall security and reliability of projects within the ecosystem. By providing a structured approach to identifying and rewarding vulnerabilities, we will foster a culture of accountability and proactive security measures among developers and project teams.

To measure our impact, we will utilize both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative: Track the number of vulnerabilities reported, response times from project teams, and the total rewards distributed. We will also monitor the engagement metrics on the platform, such as the number of active participants and submissions.
• Qualitative: Gather feedback from users and project maintainers on their experiences, the effectiveness of the platform, and suggestions for improvement through surveys and interviews.

The success of our project will bring value to the Cardano community by creating a safer environment for projects and users, ultimately leading to increased trust and adoption of Cardano-based applications. The platform will also encourage developers to contribute to the ecosystem's security, creating a more resilient network.

We will share our outputs and opportunities through:

• Regular reports to the Cardano community, detailing our findings and impact metrics.
• Workshops and webinars to engage the community, share best practices for security, and promote participation in the platform.
• Social media and forums to disseminate information about reported vulnerabilities and the importance of security in the Cardano ecosystem.

By fostering a collaborative approach to security, our project will not only enhance the safety of individual projects but also contribute to the overall strength and reputation of the Cardano network.

[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 is uniquely positioned to deliver the Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform for Cardano with high levels of trust and accountability due to our collective experience in software development, project management, and community engagement.

Existing Capabilities:

1. Technical Expertise: Our team consists of experienced developers with a strong background in blockchain technology, specifically within the Cardano ecosystem. This expertise enables us to build a secure and user-friendly platform.
2. Project Management: We have successfully managed multiple projects in the past, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets. Our structured approach to project management will guide our progress through clearly defined milestones.
3. Community Engagement: Our team is actively involved in the Cardano community, allowing us to understand the needs and concerns of developers and users. This engagement will help us tailor the platform to meet their expectations effectively.

Feasibility Validation:

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will conduct:

• Market Research: Analyze existing bug bounty platforms and gather feedback from potential users to refine our offering.
• Prototyping: Develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and solicit feedback from a select group of users before the full launch.
• Pilot Program: Implement a pilot phase with a few selected Cardano projects to evaluate our platform's functionality and gather real-world insights.

Fund Management:

To ensure proper management of funds:

• We will establish a transparent budgeting process, outlining all expenditures and making them accessible to stakeholders.
• Regular Financial Reports will be provided to track spending against our budget and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Our project will adhere to the Cardano Fund Rules, ensuring compliance with all eligibility requirements.

Through these measures, we will demonstrate our capability to execute the project effectively, uphold accountability, and build trust within the Cardano community.

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

Platform Design and Prototyping

• Description: Complete the design of the Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform, including user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) elements. Develop a prototype for initial testing.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Finalized wireframes and design mockups.
• Functional prototype with core features implemented.
• Feedback collected from a focus group of potential users.

Development of Core Features

• Description: Develop the core functionalities of the platform, including user registration, project submission, vulnerability reporting, and reward distribution mechanisms.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• All core features are fully developed and tested.
• Documentation for developers and users is created.
• Successful integration of security measures to protect user data.

Beta Testing and Community Engagement

• Description: Launch a beta version of the platform with selected Cardano projects. Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments based on user experiences.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• At least three Cardano projects participating in beta testing.
• User feedback collected and analyzed for improvements.
• Implementation of changes based on feedback before full launch.

Project Close-out Report and Video

• Description: Prepare a comprehensive project close-out report detailing the project outcomes, lessons learned, and future recommendations. Create a video summarizing the project journey and key achievements.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Complete project close-out report submitted to the community.
• A video showcasing the project and its impact shared on relevant platforms.

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

Abdu Mohammed

• Role: Project Lead
• Responsibilities: Overall project management, coordinating with team members, setting milestones, and overseeing the implementation process.
• Contact: abdum14@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: : linkedin.com/in/abdu-mohammed-714297191
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA): Certificate ID

Kewser Seid

• Role: Full Stack Developer
• Responsibilities: Designing and developing the user interface for the IoT management platform, ensuring the app is responsive, user-friendly, and efficient. Developing server-side logic, managing database structures, and ensuring seamless communication between the IoT devices, the platform, and the blockchain.
• Contact: kewserseid91@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com
• GitHub click here

Hidaya Yusuf

• Role: Cybersecurity Specialist
• Responsibilities: Auditing security protocols, performing vulnerability assessments, and ensuring data privacy and integrity across all components.
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com
• 
  

Recruitment Plan

We plan to recruit additional team members with the following skills:

• UX/UI Designer: To enhance the user experience and interface of the platform.
• Blockchain Developer: To ensure seamless integration with the Cardano blockchain and optimize transaction processes.
• Community Manager: To engage with the Cardano community, gather feedback, and promote the platform.

Engagement and Communication

We have engaged with potential team members through technical group channels, including Discord and Telegram, to gauge their willingness and capacity to support this project. All team members have expressed interest in participating, ensuring we have the necessary resources available upon funding approval.

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

Total Requested Funds: ₳50,000

1. Personnel Costs:

• Project Lead (3 months): ₳2,500/month for a total of ₳7,500.
• Frontend Developer (3 months): ₳2,000/month for a total of ₳6,000.
• Backend Developer (3 months): ₳2,000/month for a total of ₳6,000.
• Security Specialist (2 months): ₳2,500/month for a total of ₳5,000.

1. Recruitment Costs:

• UX/UI Designer (1 month): ₳2,500.
• Blockchain Developer (1 month): ₳3,000.
• Community Manager (2 months): ₳1,500/month for a total of ₳3,000.

1. Development Costs:

• Third-party API Services: ₳2,000 for integration costs related to security tools.
• Software Licenses: ₳1,000 for required tools and licenses for development.

1. Marketing & Community Engagement:

• Publicity and Promotion: ₳4,000 for marketing materials and campaigns.
• Documentation: ₳2,000 for project documentation and reporting.

1. Miscellaneous Costs:

• Contingency Fund: ₳2,000 reserved for unexpected expenses.

Summary

The total cost for the project amounts to ₳50,000, which will be used to ensure the successful development and launch of the Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform.

Third-party Products/Services:

• We plan to utilize security auditing tools and integrate third-party APIs to enhance the platform’s functionality and security.

Alternative Funding Sources:

• If costs exceed the funding request, we will explore partnerships with community organizations and potential sponsors in the blockchain space.

Management of Funds:

• Our team is committed to transparency and accountability in managing the funds. We will provide regular reports to the community and follow the guidelines outlined by the Cardano Catalyst Fund Rules for proper fund allocation and usage.

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

The proposed budget of ₳50,000 for the Decentralized Bug Bounty Platform offers significant value for the Cardano ecosystem by addressing critical security needs and fostering community engagement. Here’s how:

Cost Justification:

• Competitive Rates: The personnel costs reflect the average freelance rates in the blockchain development industry, ensuring we attract qualified professionals while maintaining budget efficiency. For instance, the rates for developers and specialists are aligned with market standards, ensuring we receive quality work at fair compensation.
• Skill Utilization: By employing a diverse team of experts, we maximize productivity and effectiveness. Each team member’s role is specifically aligned with their skills, leading to high-quality outputs without unnecessary overhead.

Long-term Benefits:

• Security Enhancement: The investment in this project directly contributes to the security of the Cardano ecosystem, which benefits all projects and stakeholders involved. A robust bug bounty platform incentivizes developers to report vulnerabilities, reducing potential risks and enhancing the overall security posture.
• Community Engagement: The platform encourages participation from the developer community, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This engagement not only improves security but also strengthens the community, making it more resilient and innovative.

Transparency and Accountability:

• We commit to transparent fund management, providing regular updates and reports to the community on progress and expenditures. This approach builds trust and ensures that funds are used effectively to achieve project goals.

Potential for Expansion:

• Should the project prove successful, it sets a precedent for future initiatives that can further enhance security and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. This foundational platform could attract additional developers, enhancing the overall security and reputation of Cardano projects.

In summary, the project’s costs are justified by the potential security improvements, community benefits, and transparency in fund management, making it a valuable investment in the Cardano ecosystem.