Cardano Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Leul mekonnen

[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'll build a community-driven platform for real-time reporting, verification, and sharing of Cardano security threats, enhancing network-wide threat detection and response capabilities.

[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

Licence: CC BY-NC

[METADATA] Horizons

Cybersecurity

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The Cardano ecosystem currently lacks a unified, real-time system for identifying and responding to security threats. This gap leaves the network potentially vulnerable to undetected risks and slows down community response to emerging threats. As Cardano continues to grow, the need for a comprehensive, community-driven security solution becomes increasingly critical.

Our Approach

We propose developing a Cardano Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence Platform, leveraging the collective knowledge and vigilance of the Cardano community. Our approach is rooted in the belief that the most effective defense against evolving threats is a collaborative one.

Key components of our solution include:

1. Web Platform: A user-friendly interface for reporting suspicious activities or potential vulnerabilities.
2. Threat Verification System: An automated system that analyzes and verifies reported threats:

• A cool-down period for new reports to prevent knee-jerk reactions to false positives.
• User verification, allowing community members to confirm or dispute reported threats.
• A reputation system that rewards accurate reporting and helps filter out unreliable sources.
• Automated decision-making based on user confirmations, disputes, and reporter reputations.
• Continuous improvement of verification thresholds and processes.
• Expert Oversight: A panel of security experts to review and validate high-impact or complex threats.

1. Public Dashboard: A real-time display of current threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Alert System: An opt-in notification service for timely threat alerts.
3. API Integration: Allowing third-party tools to access our threat intelligence data.
4. Incentive Mechanism: A reputation-based system to reward active and accurate contributors.

Target Engagement

Our project will engage a wide range of participants in the Cardano ecosystem, including individual users, dApp developers, node operators, stake pool operators, Cardano-based projects and businesses, and security researchers. This broad engagement ensures comprehensive coverage of potential threats and fosters a culture of security awareness.

Demonstrating Impact

We will demonstrate our platform's impact through:

• Quantitative metrics: Number of threats detected and verified, response times, active contributors, and API usage statistics.
• Qualitative assessments: Case studies of prevented incidents, feedback from developers, and expert testimonials.
• Ecosystem improvements: Increased developer confidence and enhanced reputation of Cardano as a secure platform.

Unique Aspects and Benefits

Our solution is unique in its:

1. Community-centric approach, empowering every member to contribute to network security.
2. Deep integration with Cardano's native features.
3. Open-source and transparent nature, fostering trust and community contribution.
4. Educational focus, raising the overall security posture of the ecosystem.
5. Scalability, able to grow alongside the Cardano ecosystem.

Importance to Cardano

This project is crucial for Cardano because it:

1. Enhances overall network security, attracting security-sensitive applications.
2. Demonstrates Cardano's commitment to innovation in blockchain security.
3. Fosters community engagement, aligning with Cardano's ethos of decentralization.
4. Supports Cardano's mission of becoming a global financial and social operating system by providing a robust security layer.

Addressing Potential Challenges

• Managing False Reports:
• Implement a multi-tiered verification system combining community input, AI-powered analysis, and expert review.
• Introduce a "confidence score" for each report based on the reporter's history and corroborating evidence.
• Establish clear guidelines for report submission and verification processes.
• Maintaining System Integrity:
• Regularly audit the platform for vulnerabilities and potential exploits.
• Implement rate limiting and other anti-spam measures to prevent system abuse.
• Conduct periodic security assessments by third-party experts.
• Expert Oversight:
• Form a panel of security experts from the Cardano community and broader blockchain security field.
• Implement an escalation process for high-impact or complex threats to be reviewed by the expert panel.
• Conduct regular security workshops and training sessions for community moderators.
• Handling Sensitive Information:
• Implement end-to-end encryption for all threat reports and communications.
• Establish a clear protocol for handling and disclosing sensitive security information.
• Provide options for anonymous reporting to protect whistleblowers.
• Collaborate with the Cardano Foundation and IOHK to establish guidelines for responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, our Cardano Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence Platform represents a significant step forward in blockchain security. By leveraging community intelligence, implementing a carefully designed verification system, and addressing potential challenges, we create a scalable, accurate, and community-driven solution to protect and strengthen the entire Cardano ecosystem.

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

Value to the Cardano Community

Our Cardano Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence Platform will bring significant value to the Cardano community in several key ways:

1. Enhanced Security: By providing a centralized platform for real-time threat reporting and verification, we'll improve the overall security posture of the Cardano ecosystem. This will help protect users, developers, and projects from potential threats, fostering a safer environment for innovation and growth.
2. Community Empowerment: Our platform will empower community members to actively participate in securing the network. This aligns with Cardano's ethos of decentralization and community-driven development.
3. Faster Threat Response: The real-time nature of our platform will enable quicker identification and response to potential threats, minimizing potential damage and enhancing the resilience of the Cardano network.
4. Knowledge Sharing: By aggregating and verifying threat intelligence, we'll create a valuable knowledge base that can educate the community about security best practices and common threats.
5. Attracting Security-Conscious Projects: A robust, community-driven security platform will make Cardano more attractive to security-conscious developers and projects, potentially driving ecosystem growth.
6. Reputation Enhancement: This initiative will showcase Cardano's commitment to security and innovation, potentially enhancing its reputation in the broader blockchain community.

Measuring Impact

We will measure the impact of our project using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Quantitative Metrics:

1. Number of registered users
2. Number of reported threats
3. Average time to threat verification
4. Number of verified threats
5. Platform engagement metrics (daily active users, time spent on platform)
6. Number of API integrations with third-party tools
7. Reduction in successful attacks or exploits within the Cardano ecosystem (measured year-over-year)

Qualitative Metrics:

1. User satisfaction surveys
2. Testimonials from key stakeholders (developers, project leaders, security experts)
3. Case studies of prevented or mitigated security incidents
4. Feedback from the Cardano Foundation and IOHK on the platform's effectiveness

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We are committed to transparency and knowledge sharing. We will disseminate our project's outputs and opportunities through various channels:

1. Public Dashboard: Our platform will feature a public dashboard showing real-time statistics on reported and verified threats, providing transparency to the entire community.
2. Monthly Reports: We will publish monthly reports summarizing key metrics, trends, and insights gained from the platform. These reports will be available on our website and shared through Cardano community channels.
3. Open-Source Code: The platform's codebase will be open-source, allowing for community review and contribution. This will be hosted on GitHub with comprehensive documentation.
4. API Access: We will provide API access to verified threat data, enabling developers to integrate this intelligence into their own applications and tools.
5. Community Workshops: We will conduct regular online workshops to educate the community about security best practices and how to effectively use our platform.
6. Academic Collaboration: We aim to collaborate with academic institutions to produce research papers on blockchain security, using insights gained from our platform.
7. Cardano Events: We will present our findings and progress at Cardano community events and conferences, fostering discussion and gathering feedback.
8. Social Media and Forums: Regular updates will be shared on popular Cardano community forums, social media channels, and platforms like Reddit and Twitter.

By implementing these measures, we ensure that the value created by our project is widely shared, fostering a more secure and knowledgeable Cardano ecosystem. Our goal is not just to create a security tool, but to cultivate a security-conscious culture within the Cardano community.

[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?

Team Capability

Our team brings together a diverse set of skills and experiences that are well-suited to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability:

1. Technical Expertise: Our team includes full-stack developers with experience in modern web technologies (Node.js, React, Svelte, Next.js, TypeScript) and machine learning specialists. This ensures we have the technical capability to build a robust, scalable platform.
2. Project Management: We have experienced project managers who can oversee the development process, ensuring timely delivery and effective resource allocation.
3. Technical Writing: Our team includes a technical writer with legal expertise, crucial for creating clear documentation and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
4. UI/UX Design: We have team members skilled in creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces, essential for ensuring widespread adoption of the platform.
5. Backend Development: Our backend specialists ensure that we can build scalable, efficient server-side applications and APIs.
6. Machine Learning: With ML developers on board, we can implement advanced threat detection and verification algorithms.
7. Community Engagement: As leaders in tech communities, some of our team members bring valuable experience in fostering innovation and collaboration.

Approach to Ensuring Trust and Accountability

1. Open Source Development: We will develop the project in public GitHub repositories, allowing for community oversight and contribution.
2. Regular Updates: We commit to providing bi-weekly updates on our progress, challenges, and next steps to the Cardano community.
3. Transparent Milestone Tracking: We will use public project management tools to track our progress against milestones, allowing stakeholders to monitor our advancement.
4. Code Reviews and Audits: We will implement a strict code review process and engage third-party security auditors to ensure the quality and security of our codebase.
5. Community Feedback Loop: We will establish channels for continuous community feedback and incorporate this input into our development process.
6. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation will be maintained throughout the project, ensuring transparency in our methodologies and decision-making processes.

Feasibility Validation

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

1. Proof of Concept (PoC): Develop a PoC within the first month to demonstrate the core functionalities of the platform.
2. Staged Development: Implement the project in stages, allowing for iterative testing and validation of each component before moving to the next.
3. User Testing: Conduct early user testing with a select group of Cardano community members to gather feedback on usability and functionality.
4. Scalability Testing: Perform load testing to ensure the platform can handle the expected volume of users and data.
5. Security Assessments: Conduct regular security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
6. Integration Testing: Test integration with existing Cardano infrastructure to ensure compatibility and seamless operation.
7. Expert Consultation: Engage with security experts in the Cardano ecosystem to validate our approach and incorporate their insights.
8. Community Workshops: Host workshops to gather input on the platform's design and functionality, ensuring it meets the community's needs.
9. Pilot Program: Before full launch, run a pilot program with a limited number of users to validate the platform in a real-world setting.
10. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Implement systems for ongoing monitoring of the platform's performance and user feedback, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.

By combining our team's diverse skillset with a commitment to transparency, community engagement, and rigorous testing, we are well-positioned to deliver a high-quality, trustworthy, and effective Cardano Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence Platform. Our staged approach to development and multiple validation checkpoints will ensure that we can identify and address any challenges early, maximizing the project's chances of success.

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

Milestone 1: Web UI Design and Basic Implementation (25% of the budget)

Amount: 37500 ADA

Description: This milestone focuses on creating the foundational elements of the platform, including the web interface, basic authentication, and the threat reporting mechanism.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Web UI design for the Cardano Threat Intelligence Platform
• User authentication system
• Basic threat reporting interface
• Documentation on the platform's basic functionality

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completed web UI design that is intuitive and user-friendly
• Functional user registration and authentication system
• Ability for users to submit basic threat reports through the web interface
• Comprehensive documentation explaining how the basic system works

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• GitHub repository with the initial codebase
• Screenshots or a demo video of the web UI and basic functionality
• User guide for the basic threat reporting process
• Technical documentation of the authentication system and threat reporting mechanism

Milestone 2: Core Functionality Development and Initial Testing (35% of the budget)

Amount: 52500 ADA

Description: This milestone involves developing the core reporting functionality, implementing the reputation system, creating the public dashboard, and conducting initial beta testing.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Enhanced threat reporting functionality
• Basic reputation system
• Public dashboard for displaying threat reports
• Beta testing program results

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Fully functional threat reporting system with detailed report submissions
• Implementation of a basic reputation system starting users at 100 points
• Public dashboard displaying pending and verified threats

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Updated GitHub repository with new features
• Demo video showcasing the enhanced reporting functionality and reputation system
• Live URL of the public threat dashboard

Milestone 3: Advanced Features and Comprehensive Testing (30% of the budget)

Amount: 45000 ADA

Description: This milestone focuses on implementing the alert system, integrating the reputation system more deeply, developing the API, and conducting more extensive beta testing.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Alert system for notifying users of critical threats
• Enhanced reputation system integration
• API for data access with documentation
• Comprehensive beta testing results

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Functional alert system notifying users of high-priority threats
• Reputation system fully integrated with the threat verification process
• Documented API allowing authorized access to threat data
• Completion of beta testing with at least 50 users

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Updated GitHub repository with all new features
• API documentation
• Demo video showcasing the alert system and enhanced reputation integration

Final Milestone: Cool-off Feature Implementation and Launch Preparation (10% of the budget)

Amount: 15000 ADA

Description: This final milestone implements the cool-off period feature, integrates all feedback from beta testing, and prepares the platform for public launch.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Implemented cool-off period for new threat reports
• User verification system for reported threats
• Vulnerability confirmation mechanism
• Final platform version incorporating all beta testing feedback

B: Acceptance Criteria

• New threats enter a "pending" state for a set cool-off period
• Users can verify or dispute pending threats during and after the cool-off period
• Implementation of a text field for users to describe their verification process
• Credibility weighting system based on user reputation scores
• All major feedback and issues from beta testing addressed

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Final GitHub repository with all features implemented
• Demonstration video of the complete threat reporting and verification process

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

1: Leul Mekonnen - Web Developer and Project Manager

• Fullstack developer | Node.js | React | svelte | Next.js | sveltekit | Postgress | Typescript | Docker
• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• GitHub: github account
• Role: Responsible for web development, focusing on Web-development, UI/UX design and implementation. Leul brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface.

2: Emrakeb Ermias - Technical writer and advisor

• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• Role: Technical writer with a unique blend of legal expertise and development skills, specializing in creating clear, precise documentation for software and tech products. With a background in law and hands-on coding experience, I excel at bridging the gap between complex technical systems and compliance requirements. 

3: Tesnim Abdi - Lead ML developer

• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• Role: Software engineer specializing in backend development, with a focus on building scalable, efficient server-side applications. Proficient in designing APIs, optimizing databases, and ensuring system reliability, 

4: Bereket Legesse - ML and Web developer

• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• GitHub: github account
• Role AI enthusiast and a Computer Science student specializing in the MERN stack. As the President of the CS Club, I lead initiatives that foster innovation and collaboration within the tech community.

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

Budget and Cost Breakdown for Cardano Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence Platform

Total Budget Request: 150,000 ADA

Milestone 1: Web UI Design and Basic Implementation (25% - 37,500 ADA)

1. Development Costs:
2. Frontend Developer (UI/UX): 15,000 ADA
3. Backend Developer (Authentication & Basic Reporting): 15,000 ADA
4. Software Licenses:
5. UI/UX Design Tools (e.g., Figma): 750 ADA
6. Development Environment Subscriptions: 750 ADA
7. Documentation:
8. Technical Writer: 3,000 ADA
9. Project Management:
10. Project Manager (part-time): 3,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Core Functionality Development and Initial Testing (35% - 52,500 ADA)

1. Development Costs:
2. Frontend Developer: 18,000 ADA
3. Backend Developer: 18,000 ADA
4. Beta Testing:
5. Participant Incentives: 3,000 ADA
6. Testing Platform Subscription: 1,500 ADA
7. Server Costs:
8. Cloud Hosting for Development & Testing: 2,500 ADA
9. Project Management:
10. Project Manager (part-time): 4,500 ADA
11. Community Engagement:
12. Community Manager (part-time): 3,000 ADA
13. Online Event Hosting Platform: 750 ADA
14. Documentation:
15. Technical Writer: 1,500 ADA

Milestone 3: Advanced Features and Comprehensive Testing (30% - 45,000 ADA)

1. Development Costs:
2. Frontend Developer: 15,000 ADA
3. Backend Developer: 15,000 ADA
4. API Development:
5. API Developer: 5,000 ADA
6. Comprehensive Beta Testing:
7. Participant Incentives: 4,000 ADA
8. Testing Platform Subscription: 1,500 ADA
9. Server Costs:
10. Cloud Hosting for Development & Testing: 2,500 ADA
11. Project Management:
12. Project Manager (part-time): 3,000 ADA
13. Security Audit:
14. Third-party Security Audit: 4,000 ADA

Final Milestone: Cool-off Feature Implementation and Launch Preparation (10% - 15,000 ADA)

1. Development Costs:
2. Frontend Developer: 5,000 ADA
3. Backend Developer: 5,000 ADA
4. Project Management:
5. Project Manager (part-time): 2,000 ADA
6. Launch Marketing:
7. Marketing Materials and Campaigns: 3,000 ADA

Third-Party Products and Services

1. Cloud Hosting: For development, testing, and production environment
2. UI/UX Design Tools: Figma subscription for collaborative design work
3. Online Event Hosting Platform: For community engagement events and webinars
4. Security Audit Services: For third-party security assessment
5. Marketing Tools: For creating promotional materials and running launch campaigns

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

1. Enhanced Security ROI

• Potential Loss Prevention: By identifying and mitigating security threats early, the platform could prevent potential losses that far exceed the initial investment. A single major security breach could result in losses of millions of ADA.
• Reduced Security Costs: Centralizing threat intelligence reduces the need for individual projects to invest heavily in separate security measures, creating ecosystem-wide cost efficiencies.

2. Ecosystem Growth Catalyst

• Developer Attraction: A robust security infrastructure makes Cardano more attractive to developers, potentially accelerating ecosystem growth and innovation.
• Increased User Confidence: Enhanced security measures can boost user confidence, potentially leading to increased adoption and use of Cardano-based applications.

3. Community Empowerment

• Skill Development: The platform provides opportunities for community members to develop and showcase their security skills, fostering a more skilled and engaged community.
• Decentralized Governance in Action: This project embodies Cardano's ethos of decentralization, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives.

4. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

• Scalable Solution: The platform is designed to grow with the ecosystem, providing long-term value without the need for constant reinvestment.
• Preventative Approach: By focusing on threat prevention, the platform reduces the potential future costs associated with security breaches and recovery efforts.

5. Reputational Value

• Industry Leadership: This initiative positions Cardano as a leader in blockchain security, potentially attracting more high-profile projects and partnerships.
• Trust Building: A proactive approach to security enhances trust in the Cardano ecosystem among users, developers, and potential institutional adopters.

6. Knowledge Base Creation

• Educational Resource: The platform will serve as an ongoing educational resource for the community, improving the overall security awareness and practices within the ecosystem.
• Data for Improvement: The collected threat intelligence data can inform future security enhancements across the Cardano ecosystem.

7. Open-Source Value

• Code Reusability: As an open-source project, the code and methodologies developed can be repurposed for other security initiatives within and beyond the Cardano ecosystem.
• Community Contributions: The open-source nature allows for ongoing community contributions, potentially adding value far beyond the initial investment.

8. Comparative Cost Analysis

• In-House Development Costs: If individual projects were to develop similar security measures independently, the cumulative cost would far exceed this centralized solution.
• Commercial Alternatives: Compared to commercial threat intelligence platforms, this community-driven solution offers similar (if not better) value at a fraction of the cost.

9. Potential for Revenue Generation

• API Access: Future monetization of API access for advanced features could generate revenue to sustain and expand the platform.
• Consulting Services: The expertise developed could lead to consulting opportunities, potentially generating additional value for the Cardano ecosystem.

10. Ripple Effect on the Broader Blockchain Space

• Cross-Chain Collaboration: The methodologies and tools developed could foster collaboration with other blockchain communities, elevating Cardano's status in the broader crypto space.
• Academic and Research Value: The project could contribute valuable data and insights to blockchain security research, further establishing Cardano's thought leadership.