Sentinel Wallet- AI Enabled Cardano Wallet for Enhanced Security

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Muluken Menberu

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

abebetedila@gmail.com

amlakubeyene@gmail.com

gashawtaye@gmail.com

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

10

[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 "Sentinel Wallet," an AI-enabled Cardano wallet that detects malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious connections, providing real-time warnings to protect users' assets.

[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.”

N/A

[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

We plan to release "Sentinel Wallet" as an open-source project under the MIT license, ensuring that it is available for community use and collaboration throughout the project’s lifecycle. The entire codebase, including the AI threat detection algorithms, wallet functionalities, and security features, will be open source. This will allow developers to contribute, enhance security measures, and build upon our work, fostering a collaborative environment within the Cardano ecosystem. All core functionalities will be available on a publicly accessible repository, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.

[METADATA] Horizons

Wallet

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, "Sentinel Wallet," addresses the growing issue of security threats such as phishing attacks, malicious websites, and suspicious connections that target Cardano users. As the Cardano ecosystem grows, so do the risks associated with bad actors trying to steal assets and compromise personal data. Sentinel Wallet will leverage AI technology to provide real-time detection of these threats, offering users proactive warnings before they engage with potentially harmful websites or transactions.

Why This Approach?

We believe that AI-driven security provides a proactive solution, going beyond traditional security measures like passwords and encryption. By using machine learning models to analyze web traffic and network patterns, Sentinel Wallet will identify threats before they can harm users. This approach offers real-time protection that evolves alongside emerging threats, which is essential in a rapidly evolving space like blockchain.

Who Will Benefit?

Our project will engage multiple groups:

• Cardano Enthusiasts: Casual users who need a secure, easy-to-use wallet that warns them about potential security risks while managing their ADA and tokens.
• Investors: People managing significant portfolios who are more likely to be targeted by phishing or hacking attempts.
• Developers and Traders: Users who engage with smart contracts and need assurance that they are interacting with legitimate, safe contracts.

How Will We Demonstrate Impact?

We will track the number of detected threats, user interactions with threat alerts, and feedback from users about how Sentinel Wallet has protected them. Metrics such as active users, transactions conducted safely, and community feedback will be used to demonstrate our impact. We will also report on any updates to our AI model to keep pace with evolving threats.

What’s Unique?

Sentinel Wallet stands out by integrating real-time, AI-driven security into a user-friendly Cardano wallet. While many wallets focus on usability or asset management, our wallet will prioritize security by detecting and warning users about threats before they occur. This added layer of protection is critical for Cardano's growth and helps ensure user trust in the ecosystem.

By empowering users with cutting-edge security features, Sentinel Wallet will make the Cardano ecosystem safer, encouraging greater participation and adoption.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

"Sentinel Wallet" will have a profound impact on the Cardano community by significantly enhancing security for all users. As more people engage with Cardano for staking, trading, or using dApps, the risks associated with phishing attacks, malicious websites, and other forms of cybercrime grow. Sentinel Wallet’s AI-powered threat detection will act as a protective layer, ensuring users can interact with the Cardano ecosystem securely. This will build trust in Cardano as a safe, reliable blockchain environment and encourage more adoption.

Measuring Impact

We will measure the impact of "Sentinel Wallet" through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:

1. Threat Detection: The number of malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious connections identified and flagged by the AI engine.
2. Active Users: Tracking the growth of Sentinel Wallet users over time.
3. Transactions Secured: Number of transactions conducted securely without interference from phishing or hacking attempts.
4. Staking and Portfolio Management: Measuring the number of assets managed and staked through the wallet.
5. Feedback Metrics: Collection of user reviews and ratings on app stores to gauge overall satisfaction and sense of security.

• Qualitative Metrics:

1. User Testimonials: Gathering personal stories and feedback on how Sentinel Wallet protected users from potential threats.
2. Community Involvement: Tracking engagement from the Cardano community on improvements and contributions to the open-source codebase.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We will share the outputs of our project with the Cardano community through:

1. Open-Source Repository: The entire codebase, including the AI threat detection engine, will be hosted on a public repository (e.g., GitHub) for transparency and collaboration. Developers can contribute to improving the security features or adapting the wallet for their own use cases.
2. Regular Reports: We will publish regular security reports detailing the number of threats detected, updates to the AI model, and improvements in the user experience.
3. Community Channels: We will engage the community via Cardano forums, social media, and direct outreach to educate users on the importance of security and how Sentinel Wallet protects them. This will also be a platform to gather feedback for future updates.
4. Partnerships: We will explore collaborations with other Cardano projects, staking pools, and exchanges to further enhance wallet security and drive adoption within the broader Cardano ecosystem.

Value to Cardano

"Sentinel Wallet" will create a safer environment for users, encouraging them to participate more actively in the Cardano ecosystem without fear of security risks. This security-focused solution will protect assets, promote trust, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more robust Cardano network that can support increased usage and growth in the years to come.

[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?

Capability to Deliver the Project with Trust and Accountability

Our team has extensive experience in blockchain development, mobile application design, cybersecurity, and AI integration, making us well-suited to deliver "Sentinel Wallet" successfully. We have a proven track record in developing secure, user-friendly solutions that meet industry standards. Each member brings unique expertise that will ensure the wallet is both functional and secure.

Team Experience:

1. DIreselign Addis (PhD in Computer Science) - Tech Lead and Backend Developer: DIreselign has led several blockchain-based projects and brings deep knowledge of backend infrastructure and security. His leadership will ensure the technical robustness of "Sentinel Wallet."
2. Muluken Menberu (MSc in Information Technology) - Core Mobile Developer & Blockchain Integration Specialist: Muluken has built multiple mobile applications with blockchain integration and will oversee the wallet's user interface and blockchain functionalities.
3. Abebe Tedila - DevOps Engineer: Abebe will ensure smooth deployment and operations, managing the infrastructure and optimizing performance and scalability.
4. Gashaw Taye - Backend Developer: Gashaw specializes in building secure and scalable backend systems, critical for real-time threat detection and seamless wallet operations.
5. Amlaku Beyene - UI/UX designer

Validation of Feasibility

To validate that our approach is feasible, we will follow these steps:

1. Prototype and Testing: We have already mapped out the AI integration for real-time threat detection and designed a prototype to validate the user interface and experience. We will conduct extensive testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT), to ensure the wallet meets its security and usability goals.
2. AI Model Training: We will train our AI threat detection model on a dataset of known phishing sites, malicious URLs, and suspicious connection patterns, validating its effectiveness before integration into the live environment.
3. Security Audits: Independent security audits will be conducted to verify that the wallet meets industry standards and is free from vulnerabilities. This includes both the AI model and wallet infrastructure.
4. Beta Testing: We will conduct a beta launch with a select group of users, gathering feedback on both the AI-driven security features and overall wallet performance. This will help fine-tune our approach before full release.

Managing Funds Properly

To ensure that funds are managed properly and transparently:

1. Budget Oversight: A dedicated project manager will oversee budget allocation, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and according to the project plan. Regular financial reviews will be conducted to monitor spending.
2. Milestone-Based Funding: We will tie fund disbursement to the achievement of clear project milestones. Each milestone (planning, development, testing, launch) will be documented and validated before moving to the next phase.
3. Open Reporting: We will provide regular financial reports to the Cardano community, detailing how funds are being spent and the progress made on key deliverables.
4. Transparency and Open Source: The open-source nature of the project will allow the community to monitor development progress and provide accountability for the use of funds. By making our codebase publicly available, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and community-driven improvement.

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

Milestone 1: Planning and Design (Month 1-2)

• Deliverables: Finalize project requirements, wireframes, and UI/UX designs.
• Acceptance Criteria: Completed design prototypes and wireframes approved by stakeholders. All key features are clearly defined, including AI-based threat detection, wallet functionality, and security protocols.

Milestone 2: Backend Development & AI Model Training (Month 3-4)

• Deliverables: Development of backend infrastructure and integration of Cardano blockchain data. Training and validation of the AI threat detection model for identifying malicious websites and phishing attempts.
• Acceptance Criteria: AI model trained and validated with a dataset of phishing sites and suspicious connections. Backend infrastructure tested and able to handle real-time data flow for transactions, portfolio tracking, and staking.

Milestone 3: Frontend Development & Security Implementation (Month 5-6)

• Deliverables: Build frontend components for user interactions, wallet functionalities, and threat alert notifications. Implement biometric authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage support.
• Acceptance Criteria: Fully functional frontend connected to the backend, with seamless user interaction. All key features, including AI-based threat detection and security layers (biometric, 2FA), are operational and tested.

Milestone 4: Beta Testing & User Feedback (Month 7-8)

• Deliverables: Conduct beta testing with a select group of users to gather feedback on the app’s usability, AI threat detection, and security features.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful beta release with at least 100 users testing the app. User feedback is collected and incorporated to improve functionality, user experience, and security features. All critical bugs or issues identified during beta testing are resolved.

Milestone 5: Official Launch and Marketing (Month 9)

• Deliverables: Full launch of Sentinel Wallet on iOS and Android platforms. Execute a targeted marketing campaign to promote the app to the Cardano community and beyond.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful app release on both platforms with at least 5,000 downloads within the first month. Positive feedback from users and reviews on app stores. Marketing campaign implemented, driving increased user adoption and engagement.

Project Close-Out Report & Video (Month 10)

• Deliverables: Final project close-out report, including a summary of key milestones achieved, user growth, feedback, and financial breakdown. A video presentation summarizing the project outcomes and lessons learned.
• Acceptance Criteria: Delivery of the project close-out report and video, showcasing the success of the project and its impact on the Cardano community. Submission of a financial report that demonstrates responsible use of funds.

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

Our project team is composed of experienced professionals with a strong background in blockchain development, AI, mobile applications, and cybersecurity. Each member has been engaged in the project planning and is ready to contribute their expertise.

DIreselign Addis (PhD in Computer Science) - Tech Lead and Backend Developer

• Role: DIreselign will oversee the technical aspects of the project, ensuring that the backend systems are robust, scalable, and integrated with the Cardano blockchain. He will also lead the development of AI-based threat detection and ensure its seamless operation within the wallet.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/direselign-addis-3a060749/

Muluken Menberu (MSc in Information Technology) - Core Mobile Developer & Blockchain Integration Specialist

• Role: Muluken will focus on the mobile app's front-end development, ensuring an intuitive and user-friendly interface. He will also work on the integration of Cardano blockchain features, such as staking and transaction tracking, while collaborating on wallet security features.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulukenm/

Gashaw Taye - Backend Developer

• Role: Gashaw will assist in building and maintaining the backend infrastructure, focusing on real-time data management, API integrations, and secure connections to the Cardano blockchain. His role will also involve supporting the AI threat detection system.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gashaw-taye-2950bba5/

Abebe Tedila - DevOps Engineer

• Role: Abebe will manage the deployment of the wallet infrastructure, ensuring smooth CI/CD processes, server maintenance, and optimization of the wallet for scalability and performance. He will also be responsible for managing cloud services and ensuring seamless operations across platforms.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abebe-tedila-82354565/

Amlaku Abeyene - UI/UX

• Role: UI/UX design and improvements
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amlaku-beyene-267238182/

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

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

The costs associated with the "Sentinel Wallet" project represent excellent value for money, considering the unique and essential security features we are providing to the Cardano ecosystem. The primary focus of this wallet is to enhance security, a critical issue for all blockchain users. By integrating AI-based threat detection, we are delivering a solution that not only protects users from phishing and malicious connections but also promotes greater trust and adoption of the Cardano platform.

Justification of Costs

1. Human Resources: The project team consists of highly skilled professionals in blockchain, AI, and mobile development. The budget reflects competitive rates based on local wages in our country, which are significantly lower than global averages for these skill sets. For instance:

• Backend and AI development: In regions like ours, the cost for a PhD-level computer scientist is lower than in Western markets, yet the quality and expertise are comparable.
• Mobile development and blockchain integration: Our team has successfully worked on similar projects, and the rates we’ve set are proportional to the regional standard, making the project more cost-efficient.

1. AI Integration: Developing and training an AI engine to detect malicious websites and phishing attacks requires significant expertise. However, by leveraging local talent and open-source tools for AI model training, we can keep costs down while maintaining high standards of development.
2. Security Features: Implementing biometric authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage integration ensures maximum security for users. Although these features increase the complexity of the project, their inclusion is vital for user protection and long-term trust in the ecosystem.
3. Cloud Services: The costs associated with cloud infrastructure for secure operations and real-time threat detection have been minimized by choosing cost-effective yet reliable solutions. This ensures we can handle large volumes of transactions and real-time data securely without inflating the budget.

Long-Term Value for Cardano

"Sentinel Wallet" will serve as a foundational security tool for the Cardano community, addressing the growing risks associated with phishing and malicious activities. By providing a proactive, AI-driven security solution, we reduce the risk of user losses due to scams, protecting both individuals and the reputation of the Cardano network.

This added layer of protection will encourage new users and investors to join the Cardano ecosystem, knowing they have a secure and trustworthy platform. The long-term benefit of increased adoption far outweighs the initial development costs.

Cost Efficiency

Given the project’s comprehensive features and the need for AI-driven threat detection, our budget has been carefully calculated to ensure that we maximize the value of every ADA spent. The local expertise we employ, combined with the scalable and open-source nature of the project, ensures that the Cardano community gets high-quality outputs at a fraction of the cost compared to hiring international teams or external security services.

By offering a secure and scalable wallet at an efficient cost, we ensure that "Sentinel Wallet" delivers not only immediate security benefits but also long-term value by enhancing user trust and engagement with the Cardano platform.