Ronin partners with Chainlink to boost cross-chain bridge security

Gaming-focused blockchain Ronin has integrated Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to enhance the security of its cross-chain bridge.

According to an October 10 announcement, the move will integrate Chainlink’s CCIP, a messaging protocol enabling secure communication across different blockchains.

Powered by a network of decentralized oracles, CCIP validates messages between sending and receiving chains using smart contracts.

Ronin confirmed that users would not need to take any action during the integration, as it is an automated process that will be executed in the background.

All crypto assets currently bridged through the Ronin Bridge will be automatically upgraded to the new CCIP framework for native cross-chain transfers. 

Further, the announcement added that steps are being taken to minimize user impact.

The process will kick off with transfers between Ethereum and Ronin, with the entire migration expected to be wrapped up within two to three months.

According to Ronin, Chainlink’s CCIP was chosen after a thorough three-phase selection process.

The platform expects the integration to significantly improve user experience and enhance security while also freeing up resources which would help accelerate Ronin’s adoption.

Executives from both Ronin and Chainlink highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, with Phuc Thai, Head Researcher at Sky Mavis, calling Chainlink an “obvious choice”, given the protocol’s “unparalleled security features and reliability track record.” Thai also discussed future plans, stating:

Beyond cross-chain interoperability, we are keen to work on integrating Chainlink’s suite of oracle services that will serve as an important foundation for the next phase of DeFi growth on Ronin.

Preventing past failures

The integration is part of Ronin’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security following a major attack on the network’s cross-chain bridge in 2022.

During the attack, hackers managed to exploit a vulnerability within the network’s cross-chain bridge, allowing them to steal 173,600 ETH and 25.5 million USDC—valued at over $600 million at the time.

The attackers gained access to Ronin’s systems through an elaborate social engineering attack by tricking an insider into installing malware during a fake recruitment process.

After infecting the insider’s system, the attackers were able to control five of the network’s nine validator nodes, giving them the authority to drain funds from the bridge.

Since the hack, Ronin has taken steps to bolster its security, including increasing the number of validators to safeguard the network.

Major players like Google Cloud and Nansen have joined as validators in the past years to further decentralize and secure the platform.

Chainlink CCIP adoption surges

Meanwhile, Chainlink’s CCIP has witnessed widespread adoption in the blockchain industry since its launch in 2023.

It is now used by multiple blockchain projects, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, and Base. 

Recently, Hong Kong-based stablecoin issuer IDA Finance adopted CCIP to deploy its HKDA stablecoin across multiple blockchains.

In mid-September, the protocol also made its debut on ZKsync, a zero-knowledge-proof network, with plans to expand to even more chains shortly.

The post Ronin partners with Chainlink to boost cross-chain bridge security appeared first on Invezz