Ethereum Foundation launches $2M security contest for Fusaka upgrade
John: Hey there, folks! I’m John, a veteran writer for Blockchain Bulletin, where I break down the world of Web3, crypto, and blockchain into bite-sized, easy-to-digest pieces. Today, we’re diving into the Ethereum Foundation’s exciting new $2 million security contest for the upcoming Fusaka upgrade—think of it as a bug-hunting party to keep Ethereum safe and sound. For readers who want a full step-by-step guide, you can also check this exchange guide.
Lila: Hi everyone, I’m Lila, John’s curious assistant always eager to learn more about crypto. John, what’s this Fusaka upgrade all about, and why is there a contest with such a big prize?
What is the Fusaka Upgrade?
John: Great question, Lila. The Fusaka upgrade is Ethereum’s next big hard fork, set to roll out on the mainnet in November 2025. It includes 11 back-end Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) aimed at boosting scalability, gas efficiency, and node resilience—basically making the network faster and more reliable for everyone.
Lila: Hard fork? That sounds intense. Is it like splitting a road or something?
John: Exactly like that! A hard fork is when the blockchain updates its rules, and all nodes must upgrade to stay on the same path. In the past, like with the Dencun upgrade in 2024-03-13, these changes have brought huge improvements. As of now, on 2025-09-16, developers are testing Fusaka on devnets to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Lila: Cool analogy! So, what kinds of improvements are we talking about here?
John: For instance, it focuses on better data distribution for rollups, which could make transactions cheaper and faster. Looking ahead, this upgrade is targeted for Q4 2025, potentially transforming how dApps operate (and hey, if blockchains were cars, this is like adding turbo boosters without the extra fuel cost).
Details of the Security Contest
John: Now, onto the contest itself. The Ethereum Foundation announced it on 2025-09-15, offering up to $2 million in rewards for finding vulnerabilities in the Fusaka codebase. It’s a four-week event hosted on the Sherlock platform, co-sponsored by Gnosis (contributing $100,000) and Lido ($25,000).
Lila: Sherlock? Is that like the detective, solving mysteries in the code?
John: Spot on! Sherlock is a platform for smart contract audits, and here it’s all about crowdsourcing security checks. Participants get points for valid findings, with bonuses: double points in the first week and 1.5x in the second. The contest runs until mid-October 2025, encouraging early submissions to catch bugs before the mainnet launch.
Lila: That sounds smart. Are there any guides or resources for people joining in?
John: Absolutely—the Foundation released a Fusaka auditor guide to help researchers dive in. Rewards are based on the severity of issues found, ensuring the upgrade is as secure as possible. In the past, similar contests have prevented major exploits, like those seen in other blockchains.
Why Security Matters for Ethereum
John: Security is the backbone of any blockchain, Lila. With Ethereum handling billions in value daily, vulnerabilities could lead to hacks or disruptions. This contest is a proactive step, building on audits to make Fusaka robust against threats.
Lila: Billions? That’s huge! Can you give an example of past security wins?
John: Sure—remember the DAO hack back in 2016? It led to a hard fork and taught the community a lot. As of now, with Fusaka aiming for better node resilience, this contest helps avoid repeats. It’s all about community involvement to keep the ecosystem safe.
Lila: Got it. So, what are some key risks they’re targeting?
John: Things like code exploits that could affect scalability or data storage. By crowdsourcing, they’re distributing the responsibility—after all, many eyes make light work (and fewer bugs).
How to Get Involved and Tips
John: If you’re a security researcher or just crypto-curious, you can join the contest via Sherlock’s platform. It’s open worldwide, and the Ethereum Foundation blog has all the details. Start by reviewing the auditor guide and testing on devnets.
Lila: That sounds accessible! Any tips for beginners who want to dip their toes in?
John: Definitely. Here’s a quick list of tips to get started:
- Read the official Fusaka auditor guide from the Ethereum Foundation for setup instructions.
- Focus on high-impact areas like EIPs for scalability—early finds get multipliers!
- Collaborate with the community on forums like the Ethereum Magicians site for insights.
- Test thoroughly but ethically; only report real vulnerabilities.
- Keep an eye on updates, as the contest ends around 2025-10-13.
Lila: Awesome list! Is there anything intermediate readers should know?
John: For those with some experience, dive into the 11 EIPs— they’re back-end changes, so understanding Solidity or Go (Ethereum’s languages) helps. Looking ahead, successful finds could influence future upgrades too.
Looking Ahead to Fusaka’s Impact
John: As we approach the November 2025 hard fork, Fusaka could make Ethereum even more efficient for DeFi and NFTs. Developers are already planning to sunset the Holesky testnet two weeks after the upgrade, shifting to newer networks like Hoodi for testing.
Lila: Sunset a testnet? What’s that mean?
John: It means retiring it—Holesky has served well since its launch, but post-Fusaka, fresher testnets will take over. In the future, this could lead to cheaper rollups, benefiting users worldwide. (Imagine your transaction fees dropping like autumn leaves—without the raking!)
Lila: Haha, nice! So, overall, this contest is a big deal for Ethereum’s health?
John: You bet. It reinforces that protocol security is a team effort, not just one group’s job.
John: Wrapping up, this $2 million contest is a smart move by the Ethereum Foundation to fortify Fusaka before its big debut—it’s all about building trust in the blockchain we love. Whether you’re auditing code or just following along, it’s exciting to see the community come together. And if you’d like even more exchange tips, have a look at this global guide.
Lila: Totally agree—staying secure means a brighter future for crypto. Thanks for the breakdown, John; can’t wait for what’s next!
This article was created using the original article below and verified real-time sources:
- Ethereum Foundation launches $2M security contest for Fusaka upgrade
- Fusaka $2,000,000 Audit Contest! | Ethereum Foundation Blog
- Ethereum Fusaka Upgrade: What the November 2025 Hard Fork Will Deliver
- Ethereum devs open Fusaka upgrade to $2 million security audit contest | The Block