Cybersecurity Guide for Bondi Finance Investors

Introduction

Bondi Finance operates as a platform for tokenizing real-world bonds on the Base, Plume, Mantle, and Injective blockchains, allowing investors to gain exposure through Bond Tokens. This creates opportunities for returns, but it could also present security challenges that differ from traditional investments.

This guide has been developed to ensure all Bondi Finance investors understand the cybersecurity landscape and can implement appropriate protective measures. The information is relevant for investors from all countries except the United States and nations under international sanctions, since they cannot participate in Bondi Finance.

Blockchain Security Fundamentals

The Blockchain Security Model

Bondi Finance operates on several blockchains, including Base, Plume, Mantle, and Injective. These utilize distributed ledger technology to provide security through decentralization. The blockchains themselves are highly secure, however, most vulnerabilities exist at the access points where users interact with the system.

Key security aspects include:

• Immutability: Once transactions are confirmed, they cannot be altered or reversed.
• Transparency: All transactions are publicly visible, though wallet ownership can remain pseudonymous.
• Consensus mechanisms: Multiple validators must agree on transaction validity.
• Access control: Private keys provide the only means of authorization.

Wallet Types and Security Implications

Your cryptocurrency wallet is the primary interface for managing your Bond Tokens. Different wallet types offer varying levels of security and convenience:

Wallet Type	Description	Security Level	Best Use Case
Hardware Wallets	Physical devices storing keys offline.	Highest	Long-term storage, large investments.
In-App Wallets (Social Login)	Non-custodial wallets accessed via social accounts (e.g., Google), with keys managed by a provider using technologies like MPC.	Medium	Onboarding, small amounts, high convenience.
Desktop Wallets	Software applications on computers.	Medium-High	Regular transactions with moderate security.
Mobile Wallets	Smartphone applications.	Medium	Small amounts, convenience.
Web Wallets	Browser-based interfaces.	Lower	Small amounts, high convenience.
Exchange Wallets	Custodial accounts on exchanges.	Varies	Active trading only.

Recommended wallet options:

1. Hardware Wallets (Examples)

   • Ledger Nano X/S Plus: Offers excellent security features through a secure element chip that protects your private keys.
   • Trezor Model T/One: Comprehensive support for multiple chains, featuring an open-source approach to security.
   • Advantages: Resistant to malware, keeps private keys offline, requires physical confirmation of transactions.
   • Considerations: Requires physical security, proper backup procedures, and regular firmware updates.

2. In-App Wallets (with Social Logins)

   • Bondi Finance integrates with modern in-app wallet solutions (powered by services like Thirdweb) that allow you to create a wallet using a social login (e.g., Google, email).
   • How it works: These are typically non-custodial wallets where your private key is protected by Multi-Party Computation (MPC). The key is split into "shards," with parts stored on your device and with the service provider. This removes the need for you to manage a seed phrase directly while preventing any single party from having full control.
   • Advantages: Extremely easy onboarding, no need to write down a seed phrase, recoverable via your social account.
   • Considerations: Security is tied to your social account's security (use strong passwords and 2FA!) and the trustworthiness of the wallet provider. Best for smaller, transactional amounts.

3. Software Wallets (Examples)

   • MetaMask: Browser extension and mobile app with support for Base, Plume, and Mantle via custom RPC configuration.
   • Trust Wallet: Mobile solution with extensive compatibility and a built-in dApp browser.
   • Keplr / Leap: Browser extensions and mobile wallets with native support for the Injective network.
   • Advantages: Easier for frequent transactions, more convenient for DeFi interactions.
   • Considerations: Security depends on device safety; vulnerable to malware if the device is compromised.

Security Recommendation: Use a combination approach—maintain small amounts for transactions in a software or in-app wallet while storing the majority of holdings in a hardware wallet. Consider a multi-wallet strategy that distributes assets across different security solutions based on frequency of use and amount stored.

Critical Security Practices for Bond Token Investors

Private Key Management

For hardware and traditional software wallets, your private key (represented by a seed phrase) is the single most important security element. Whoever possesses it has complete control over your assets.

Essential Practices:

1. Never share your private key or seed phrase with anyone, including individuals claiming to represent Bondi support.
2. Store offline only, preferably in a hardware wallet or written on paper/metal in a secure location (e.g., a fireproof safe).
3. Use multiple storage locations for recovery seed phrases to protect against localized disasters.
4. Consider advanced security like multisignature wallets or Shamir's Secret Sharing for significant holdings.
5. Implement encryption (e.g., VeraCrypt, PGP) for any digital backups, with passwords stored separately.

Avoiding Sophisticated Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks have evolved significantly and now include AI-generated deepfakes and highly convincing website clones.

Protection Strategies:

1. Verify all URLs carefully before connecting your wallet.
   • Legitimate Bondi URL: https://bondifinance.io
   • Phishing examples: https://bondi-finance.io, https://bondlfinance.io
   • Check for SSL certificates (https://), but remember that phishing sites can also have them.
2. Bookmark official websites and always access them through bookmarks.
3. Verify communications through multiple channels. Official announcements will appear on the Bondi Blog, Twitter, and Telegram. Be suspicious of "urgent" requests.
4. Watch for advanced deception tactics: deepfake videos, fake "security alerts," impersonation in chat groups, and fraudulent emails announcing "airdrops" or "rewards."
5. Use a dedicated device or a separate browser profile for high-value transactions.

Smart Contract Security Awareness

Bondi Finance operates through smart contracts on multiple networks. Understanding their security model helps investors make safer decisions.

Smart Contract Security Factors:

1. Contract Verification: Only interact with verified contracts on the blockchain. Verify contract addresses through the official Bondi Finance documentation. You can check verification status on the relevant block explorer (e.g., BaseScan, MantleScan), which is indicated by a green checkmark for EVM chains.
2. Permission Awareness: Understand what permissions you grant when approving contracts. Use tools like Revoke.cash to manage contract permissions and consider approving only the specific amount needed for a transaction rather than unlimited approvals.

Secure Transaction Practices

When transacting with Bond Tokens, follow these verification procedures to prevent errors and fraud:

1. Address Verification Protocol:
   • Always copy addresses directly from official sources.
   • Manually verify the first 4 and last 4 characters of the address.
   • Send a small test transaction before transferring large amounts.
2. Gas Fee Management on Multiple Networks:
   • You must hold the native token of each blockchain to pay for transaction fees (gas).
   • Base: Uses ETH. Check gas prices at https://basescan.org/gastracker.
   • Mantle: Uses MNT. Check gas prices at https://mantlescan.xyz/gastracker.
   • Plume: Will use PLUME. (Note: Plume is currently in testnet; details may change).
   • Injective: Uses INJ. Gas fees are handled differently within the Cosmos ecosystem but are generally low. Monitor transactions on https://explorer.injective.network.
3. Transaction Signing Safety:
   • Review all transaction details carefully before signing: recipient address, amount, network fees, and the smart contract you are interacting with.
   • If using a hardware wallet, verify these details on both your wallet interface and the hardware device screen.

Comprehensive Backup and Recovery Planning

A robust backup strategy ensures you can recover assets even after device failure, theft, or disaster.

• Seed Phrase Backups (Highest Priority): Create at least two physical copies (paper or metal) stored in different, secure locations. Never store an unencrypted digital copy.
• Access Information Backup: Separately back up wallet addresses, 2FA recovery codes, and any instructions for heirs.
• Test Recovery Procedures: Practice recovering a wallet on a new device with a small amount to ensure your backup is correct and you understand the process.

Incident Response Protocol

If you suspect your wallet or private keys have been compromised, time is critical.

1. IMMEDIATELY transfer all remaining assets to a new, secure wallet created on a different, uncompromised device.
2. Revoke all permissions for the compromised wallet using Revoke.cash.
3. Document the incident (transaction hashes, timeline, phishing messages).
4. Report to relevant parties: Bondi Finance support (info@bondifinance.io), local law enforcement, and flag the malicious addresses on block explorers.

Conclusion

Protecting your Bond Token investments requires implementing multiple layers of security and maintaining vigilance against evolving threats. While the Bondi Finance team is committed to the highest security standards, the safety of your assets ultimately depends on your personal security practices.

Key takeaways:

1. Secure your private keys and seed phrases using offline storage.
2. Use hardware wallets for significant holdings.
3. Understand the security model of your chosen wallet, especially for in-app/social login wallets.
4. Verify all transactions and contract interactions carefully.
5. Maintain resilient backups and know how to use them.
6. Stay informed about emerging security threats and act quickly if you suspect a compromise.

Appendix A: Security Resources

Wallet Security

• Ledger: https://www.ledger.com
• Trezor: https://trezor.io
• MetaMask: https://metamask.io
• Keplr: https://www.keplr.app

Security Tools

• Revoke.cash: https://revoke.cash
• BaseScan: https://basescan.org
• MantleScan: https://mantlescan.xyz
• Injective Explorer: https://explorer.injective.network
• Plume Explorer: https://explorer.plumenetwork.xyz

Educational Resources

• Bondi Finance Blog: https://www.bondifinance.io/blog
• Base Docs: https://docs.base.org/
• Mantle Docs: https://docs.mantle.xyz/
• Injective Docs: https://docs.injective.network/

Bondi Finance Support

• Email: info@bondifinance.io