If you’re developing or deploying systems that handle sensitive data, financial transactions, or play a critical role in an ecosystem, a security audit is essential. Whether you’re launching a smart contract, a dApp, or managing cloud infrastructure, a security audit helps identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Audits are particularly crucial for projects handling user funds, complex codebases, or those looking to build trust with users or partners. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out, and we can help assess whether an audit would be beneficial for your project.

While we employ rigorous methods to uncover critical vulnerabilities and strengthen your security, no audit can guarantee the discovery of all issues. An audit should be seen as one part of a holistic security strategy. To maximize security, it should be combined with practices such as secure design principles, thorough testing (unit, integration, and end-to-end), internal code reviews, bug bounty programs, secure development processes, and operational security measures.

The time required for an audit depends on the complexity of the project. A simple audit could take as little as a few days, while more complex audits can extend up to 6 weeks. Generally, most projects take between 1 to 3 weeks to complete. Along with the audit duration, it’s important to allow time for applying the recommended fixes. We also include verification of these fixes as part of the process, and our team is available following the report to assist with this phase.

We recommend reaching out early, especially if there are potential lead times. You don’t need a final codebase when requesting a quote – we can create an estimate based on a working version and your description of upcoming functionality. Additionally, we offer advance booking options for projects that are still under development, refining the details closer to the audit start date.

At SCV-Security, we leverage the combined expertise of three or more auditors on each engagement to ensure a high-quality audit process. Our methodology involves a detailed, multi-layered approach using the latest tools and technologies to stay ahead of evolving threats. Here’s how we conduct thorough security evaluations:

1. COMPREHENSIVE CODE REVIEW: Every line of code is carefully analyzed for vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses.

2. ROBUST TESTING FRAMEWORK: Our testing framework rigorously examines system behavior to uncover hidden issues.

3. IN-DEPTH SECURITY ANALYSIS: We conduct deep-dive security assessments to evaluate the architecture and overall system resilience.

4. Peer Review: Multiple auditors review each other’s findings to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

5. Documentation Check: We verify that all technical documentation is complete, clear, and aligns with the code.

6. Reporting and Follow-up: We provide a detailed report of our findings and remain available for follow-up consultations to ensure any issues are resolved effectively.
   

Our methodology can vary depending on the specific needs and complexity, ensuring a tailored approach for the best results.

At SCV-Security, our auditing objectives focus on delivering a comprehensive evaluation of security posture and ensuring resilience against potential threats. The key objectives include:

• Establishing a Risk Management Framework: Developing and reviewing a detailed risk management framework to prioritize and mitigate security threats before they can cause impact.

• Evaluating Security Posture: Assessing the overall security framework to ensure it aligns with industry best practices and modern standards.

• Identifying Risks: Detecting potential security flaws, vulnerabilities, or bugs that could compromise integrity and functionality.

• Enhancing Code Safety: Providing actionable recommendations to improve code safety, readability, and maintainability, strengthening overall project robustness.

• Design Validation: Ensuring the design aligns with project specifications and economic models, identifying any misalignments or vulnerabilities.

• Quality Assurance: Evaluating the maturity of the codebase and adherence to best practices, ensuring that extensive testing has been performed to guarantee reliability.

These objectives work together to minimize risks and enhance security and stability across projects.

We uphold the highest security standards by adhering to specific auditing requirements, which are detailed in the “SCV - Audit Requirements - CosmWasm.pdf”. This document ensures that each project meets the necessary criteria for a thorough and effective audit and is provided to clients upon audit request.

Each engagement is scheduled with a 2 to 4-week lead time, allowing us to optimize resource allocation and ensure a smooth audit process. We also understand the unique needs of our clients and adjust timelines flexibly to meet project requirements and deadlines.

In line with our commitment to the highest security standards, we have established essential auditing criteria for CosmWasm projects. These requirements are designed to ensure a comprehensive security audit, safeguarding the integrity of the project and maintaining client trust.

• Establishing a Risk Management Framework: Developing and reviewing a detailed risk management framework to prioritize and mitigate security threats before they can cause impact.

• Evaluating Security Posture: Assessing the overall security framework to ensure it aligns with industry best practices and modern standards.

• Identifying Risks: Detecting potential security flaws, vulnerabilities, or bugs that could compromise integrity and functionality.

• Enhancing Code Safety: Providing actionable recommendations to improve code safety, readability, and maintainability, strengthening overall project robustness.

• Design Validation: Ensuring the design aligns with project specifications and economic models, identifying any misalignments or vulnerabilities.

• Quality Assurance: Evaluating the maturity of the codebase and adherence to best practices, ensuring that extensive testing has been performed to guarantee reliability.

These objectives work together to minimize risks and enhance security and stability across projects.

At SCV-Security, we follow a structured 8-step process to ensure thorough and effective audits. This process is designed to be transparent and efficient, allowing clients to understand each stage from initial engagement to final report delivery. Below is a summary of the key steps:

The Audit Process in 8 Steps

1. QUOTE ESTIMATES

We begin by providing a detailed quote after assessing the project’s complexity, size, and specific requirements.

2. CODE SUBMISSION

The project’s codebase is submitted for review, ensuring all necessary documentation and information are available to begin the audit.

3. AUDIT ALLOCATION

A team of skilled auditors is assigned to the project based on its scope and needs.

4. AUDIT EXECUTION

Our auditors perform an in-depth security analysis, reviewing the code for vulnerabilities and potential risks.

5. INITIAL REPORT

An initial report is delivered, outlining all discovered vulnerabilities and recommendations for remediation.

6. FINDINGS REVISIONS

After receiving the report, clients address the findings, and we remain in close communication during the revision phase.

7. FINAL REPORT

Once revisions are made and validated, a final report is issued, verifying that all critical issues have been resolved.

8. ENGAGEMENT COMPLETED!

The audit engagement concludes, but we stay available for follow-up support and questions as needed.

Should compliance with Know-Your-Business (KYB) or Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards be necessary, SCV-Security can quickly facilitate the verification process through trusted third-party services to ensure transparency and adherence to required policies.

We are also equipped to issue or sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreements (MNDAs) as needed, providing confidentiality and protecting sensitive information throughout the audit process.