Ethereum Guild 2025-01 (January 15, 2025): Layer 2s and Security Models

[philknows]

When: January 15, 2025, 14:00-15:00 UTC
Zoom: https://chainsafe-io.zoom.us/j/82724518654?pwd=5buveYpBLp3XbqTDmtDa470IjqGPGW.1

Topics for discussion:

As L2s handle increasing amounts of user funds and activity, some fundamental security concerns need addressing. Having reviewed several L2 architectures, three critical questions stand out:

• How can users truly verify their ability to exit if the L2 shuts down? Current force exit mechanisms rely on operational infrastructure.
• Why aren't there mandatory decentralized fallback systems? Single points of failure in sequencers and validators create concerning shutdown risks.
• Should L2s be required to have operational security bonds? With no financial guarantees, users bear all risks of technical or business failures.

While "progressive decentralization" is the goal, we're currently asking users to trust centralized services with billions in assets.
Would appreciate your thoughts on how we might address these security gaps?

Please add to this thread or edit this post to include additional material to build context before attending the guild meeting. Additional topics, questions, or discussion points are welcome!

[philknows]

Not entirely about the subject, but partially related... @GregTheGreek recently posted about native based rollups where L2s are more closely coupled with Ethereum L1 validators for sequencing: https://blog.chainsafe.io/what-l2s-need-from-based-rollups/

[philknows]

Postponed by one week to January 15, 2025 due to conflict with FOCIL breakout call.

[philknows]

Recording and transcript linked here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1564KSapditvPiuo7sQt5Gl1cQezFAFSj?usp=drive_link
Closing in favour of #7531