OpenZeppelin Defender, the smart contract security platform, has integrated with Coinbase’s Base network, offering developers on Base the ability to automate security tasks. According to the announcement made by OpenZeppelin on April 19, app developers on Base can now use Defender software to create multi-signature admin contracts and timelocks, employ Relayers to store keys and sign transactions, and create automated “sentinels” to monitor the blockchain and react to events.
The integration creates a more secure environment for smart contracts and offers greater functionality to developers, allowing them to focus on building their applications instead of creating security measures from scratch. Routine but sensitive admin tasks, such as upgrading contracts, tweaking numerical parameters, or pausing a contract in an emergency, can now be automated using Defender.
OpenZeppelin’s CTO, Jonathan Alexander, expressed his excitement about the integration and its potential impact, stating that it will make smart contracts “more secure and expansive.” Meanwhile, Base lead Jesse Pollak heralded the partnership, emphasizing the importance of security for a thriving on-chain ecosystem.
While Defender was previously available on Ethereum and other networks, its integration with Base allows developers to add an additional layer of security to their apps when building on the new testnet. Coinbase launched the Base test network on February 23 and plans to produce a mainnet version as a layer-2 of Ethereum once testing is complete.
Ethereum users have speculated that Coinbase wants to use the new network to help onboard institutional investors to Web3, given that it plans to feature Masa Finance identity verification tools. Some believe this move is a nod of confidence towards Ethereum, as Coinbase recognizes the platform’s potential to usher in a new era of decentralized finance.
OpenZeppelin is most renowned for its library of open-source smart contracts, which are widely used by developers throughout the Ethereum ecosystem. These contracts can be easily modified and adapted to suit the specific needs of different applications, making OpenZeppelin’s smart contract templates a go-to resource for many developers in the space.
In summary, the integration of OpenZeppelin Defender with Coinbase’s Base network is set to bolster the security of Web3 applications and make them easier to manage for developers building on the Base testnet. The new tools available through the partnership will help automate sensitive admin tasks and create a more expansive and secure ecosystem for decentralized applications. As Base continues to evolve, developers will have access to even more tools and resources that will enable them to build the next generation of Web3 applications.