Web3 is one of the most important technological advancements that can truly transform digital interactions, today and in the future. Through the power of blockchain technology, web3 promises the benefits of decentralization in user-centric, cryptographically secure and transparent online environments. Many people believe that smart contract security alone is enough to protect Web3 infrastructure. It’s also important to know other aspects of Web3 security to ensure end-to-end security.
One of the notable aspects of Web3 infrastructures that requires special attention to security points at cross-chain bridges. Additionally, you will also find other components in the web3 infrastructure, such as validator nodes, execution clients, and consensus clients. You should know that all of these elements play a vital role in safeguarding web3 infrastructures. Understanding the threats to Web3 systems at different levels and the relevant safeguards can strengthen Web3 security.
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Uncovering Threats Beyond Smart Contract Security in Web3 Infrastructure
Most discussions around Web3 security focus largely on smart contract vulnerabilities. Security analysts have reported that major smart contract exploits in different blockchain protocols have resulted in damages reaching nearly $1.2 billion in 2025 (Source). You can only achieve end-to-end Web3 security by recognizing the fact that Web3 infrastructure includes much more than smart contracts. Web3 infrastructure comes with several independent components that work in unison to ensure network security and data integrity.
All components operate at different levels of the web3 stack and come with unique threat vectors. Web3 professionals need to know the attack vectors specific to each component in order to improve Web3 security.
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Validator nodes and consensus clients
The validator nodes and consensus clients of the web3 stack are responsible for the integrity of the network as they help validate transactions. Consensus clients play an indispensable role in reaching agreements on state updates. Any practical guide to Web3 security would highlight how vulnerable these components are to key management issues and risk mitigation. The result of security vulnerabilities in validator nodes and consensus clients leads to network disruption and consensus failure.
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Runtime clients and RPC nodes
You can’t build Web3 infrastructure without runtime clients to process transactions and RPC nodes to deliver blockchain data to dApps. The functionality of these components makes them vulnerable to inconsistent state issues and other Web3 attack vectors. Web3 professionals should adopt appropriate authentication mechanisms and rate limiting to strengthen the security of RPC endpoints.
The next crucial component of the Web3 infrastructure is the set of data availability layers that provide reliable storage of transaction data. Data availability layers are essential to the operation of rollups and thin clients in a web3 stack. You need to know how to secure Web3 infrastructure by learning security best practices against data retention attacks. Web3 security experts should also know how to avoid erasure coding failures and the inclusion of invalid fraudulent transactions.
Web3 framework without SDK and API would not be able to provide the desired utility. These components help developers interact with blockchain networks while serving as a foundation for accommodating security risks. SDKs and APIs in a web3 stack can attract supply chain attacks, API abuse, or dependency poisoning. Attackers can use these components to leak sensitive information, compromise third-party libraries, or manipulate smart contract interactions.
Cross-chain bridges have opened the door to exponential innovation in Web3, while introducing a potential attack vector. They are a core part of modern Web3 infrastructure and new blockchain security best practices are drawing attention to the vulnerabilities of cross-chain bridges. The most notable security issues for Web3 bridges include smart contract bugs, incorrect state checking, and insecure key management.
Smart contracts are an integral part of the blockchain and web3 space, driving core functionality of dApps and decentralized solutions. The biggest problem for Web3 security comes from smart contracts, as they are written in very vulnerable code. Malicious agents can exploit vulnerabilities in smart contracts to deploy different types of attacks aimed at stealing sensitive information or funds. Awareness of notable smart contract security risks is an essential requirement for any Web3 security expert.
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Develop and promote a safety-focused culture
Being aware of blockchain and web3 security threats is only part of your security strategy. You need to develop a “security first” mindset in everyone working on a Web3 project from day one. It is important to promote a culture of proactive risk management based on awareness and vigilance. First of all, a Web3 infrastructure requires someone who actually understands Web3 security rather than relying on assumptions. Web3 security experts who can challenge existing security precedents and leverage their experience to identify risks before they cause damage are invaluable assets.
The ideal culture that promotes end-to-end Web3 security must also support the implementation of effective security policies. You should follow policies for multi-factor authentication, device encryption, and implement strong passwords. Web3 security experts should also maintain clear documentation of security policies and update them regularly. Most importantly, everyone in the organization must know the rules and the consequences of disagreements.
Backing up your Web3 infrastructure
You may have the most secure smart contracts in your Web3 infrastructure and still find yourself with security vulnerabilities. Every Web3 project should pay attention to infrastructure vulnerabilities that create attack surfaces. Web3 infrastructures must adopt robust defenses against denial of service attacks rather than waiting for them to occur. You also need to know how to secure Web3 infrastructure against data breaches and private key thefts. Multi-signature wallets, cold storage, and robust access controls are some of the proven solutions to prevent data breaches.
The security of your web3 infrastructure also depends on the frequency of penetration testing. You must rely on external security experts to crack your system to identify new vulnerabilities. It’s definitely a smart move to identify your weaknesses before someone else. Another Web3 security best practice calls attention to using dependency analysis tools to keep your dependencies up to date at all times.
How can you strengthen smart contract security from the roots?
It’s virtually impossible to think about Web3 security without protecting your smart contracts. You should always prioritize smart contract security with a non-negotiable approach to smart contract audits. Web3 projects must rely on external reviews to detect flaws that the development team might have missed. The expertise of a reputable smart contract auditor can help you put in place the strongest protections for your web3 infrastructure from the foundation itself.
Before implementing smart contract audits, it is important to pay attention to how smart contracts are created. Developers should follow best practices in smart contract coding with a thorough understanding of re-entry protections, access control modifiers, and overflow and underflow protections. Comprehensive unit and integration testing accompanied by formal verification should also be included in your Web3 security policies.
Final Thoughts
The demand for Web3 security experts is increasing significantly as more blockchain and Web3 projects are adopted. You should view Web3 security as a necessity to drive long-term blockchain adoption and the future of Web3. If you want to specialize in a practical guide to Web3 security, you need reliable training resources. The Certified Web3 Hacker (CW3H)™ certification program from 101 Blockchains is one of the most credible resources for perfecting your Web3 security skills. You can become a trusted Web3 security expert with a deep understanding of the top security risks and strategies to combat them. Choose the best credentials now to become a Web3 security specialist.
