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Sky Under Scrutiny: Managing $756 Million USDC Raises Security Concerns

Sky Under Scrutiny: Managing $756 Million USDC Raises Security Concerns

Security Concerns Arise Over Sky’s Management of $756 Million in USDC Reserves

In the rapidly evolving world of decentralised finance (DeFi), the management of substantial financial reserves faces intense scrutiny and debate. Sky, previously known as MakerDAO, finds itself under scrutiny for its handling of a significant $756 million in USD Coin (USDC) reserves. The controversy revolves around the use of an externally owned account (EOA) to oversee these funds within its lite peg stability module (PSM).

Understanding the Lite PSM

The lite PSM is a critical mechanism employed by Sky to maintain the stability of its stablecoin’s value against the US dollar. It facilitates users in swapping the stablecoin for USDC at a predetermined rate. As part of a strategic migration plan, Sky announced the transfer of reserves from the older PSM to the lite PSM in three phases, starting with an initial $20 million.

However, the management of the Lite PSM funds has sparked controversy. Allegations have surfaced, primarily from a user’s post on social media and the Sky forum, claiming that these funds are controlled by an EOA. This has raised significant concerns about accountability and the security framework governing these substantial reserves.

The Risks of EOA-Based Custodianship

An EOA, unlike a smart contract, operates as a standard Ethereum wallet directly controlled by a private key. It lacks enforced security protocols such as multisignature authentication or time-locked transfers. Critics highlight that this custodianship lacks transparency and provides weaker security, increasing the risk of private key compromise and unauthorised actions.

Rune Christensen, co-founder of Sky, clarified that they destroyed the private keys required to reconstruct the multiparty computation (MPC) account during the Coinbase Custody setup. This action aimed to reduce risks of private key compromise. However, questions persist about wallet control, transaction authorisations, and enforcing governance decisions on fund management.

Deflationary Tokenomics and Governance

Amidst these security concerns, Christensen has also been vocal about his plans to propose a halt to the emissions of new tokens, aiming to introduce a “burn-only” deflationary model. This strategy involves reducing the total supply of the core token through a systematic burning mechanism, adhering to the protocol’s original tokenomics.

This approach, while aimed at enhancing the protocol’s economic stability, has placed Sky under scrutiny for its handling of transparency and security in fund management. The DeFi community and stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely, seeking further clarifications and advocating for improved governance mechanisms to address potential vulnerabilities.

For more insights into the evolving landscape of DeFi protocols and their governance, explore the challenges and opportunities in the future of work in the Web3 era and the importance of robust security measures in Web3 and AI interactions.

As the situation develops, the DeFi community remains alert to any further developments or changes in the governance of Sky’s financial management practices, which are crucial for maintaining user trust and protocol stability in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.

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