Key Takeaways
- Reward Pool: $200K main bounty + $40K mitigation audit
- Goal: Secure VeChainThor’s Hayabusa Upgrade
- Core Upgrade: PoA replaced with Delegated Proof-of-Stake
VeChain Puts $200K on the Line to Secure Hayabusa Upgrade
VeChain has partnered with Immunefi to launch a $200,000 “Attackathon” aimed at stress-testing and securing its upcoming Hayabusa Upgrade — one of the most ambitious blockchain updates of the year. The initiative calls on global security researchers to probe VeChainThor’s infrastructure as it transitions to a more decentralized and dynamic model.
The program highlights how VeChain proactively fixes vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them in the wild.
A New Era: What the Hayabusa Upgrade Delivers
The VeChain Hayabusa Upgrade marks a foundational shift in the network’s architecture. It replaces the long-standing Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus with a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) system — allowing VET token holders to delegate to validators and directly participate in securing the network.
Also Read: VeChain Launches Galactica Testnet—Experiment with New VIP Features
This transition boosts decentralization while maintaining VeChain’s hallmark performance. Alongside it, VeChain introduces dynamic VTHO generation, where rewards depend on staking activity and contributions to network security rather than fixed rates. The new model enhances incentives but also expands the protocol’s complexity and potential attack surface.
Attackathon: Testing the Limits of Security
The VeChain Hayabusa Attackathon gives researchers the chance to uncover real vulnerabilities in the upgraded system. Participants can earn up to $200,000 USD in rewards, with an extra $40,000 Mitigation Audit pool unlocked as fixes are implemented during the competition.
This dual-track model encourages continuous testing and validation of security patches, fostering a collaborative defense cycle between developers and white-hat hackers.
All competition details — including scope, timelines, and eligibility — are available on the VeChain Hayabusa Attackathon page.
Preparing for the Challenge
To help participants get started, VeChain and Immunefi have launched an Academy offering educational resources for both new and experienced security researchers. These materials cover VeChainThor’s architecture, consensus logic, and upgrade details to help hunters maximize their effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
By opening its most critical upgrade to global scrutiny, VeChain is setting a higher bar for blockchain transparency and resilience. The Hayabusa Attackathon not only fortifies its infrastructure but also showcases how community-driven security can strengthen the future of decentralized networks.
