Thread by @informalinc

1/ Shared security is coming to the @cosmos Hub in 2021. What does this mean? github.com/informalsystem…

https://twitter.com/sunnya97/status/1360260658193969153

@cosmos 2/ On Feb18 #IBC will land on the Hub which will enable communication between independent chains & support new kinds of cross chain functionality to be rolled out over the coming months and years.

3/ We’re developing a form of shared security called cross-chain validation, or interchain staking, as an IBC-packet protocol that will empower staked ATOM on the Hub to opt-in to providing security for other chains.

4/ The vision behind @cosmos has always been to create an environment in which sovereign interoperable blockchains can flourish. @cosmos Zones are typically responsible for forming their own unique validator sets incentivized by a staking token that secures the chain.

5/ With shared security, instead of launching an independent staking token, Zones will have the option to source their security and validators from ATOMs staked on the Hub.

6/ This is a significant development. Shared security offers a way for the Hub to launch and iterate on new features without compromising the integrity of the Hub itself.

7/ Shared security also makes it much easier for Zones to launch by not having to consider the complexity of forming their own validator set or staking token.

8/ Zones can also incentive align with the Hub by sourcing some or all of their security from ATOM. This will open a whole new world of blockchain mergers and acquisitions!

9/ With hundreds of chains set to launch in the near future, shared security will become a key feature for developers looking to build and launch their application-specific blockchain using the Cosmos-SDK or other IBC-enabled application frameworks.

10/ There are many resources for developers looking to the @cosmos. Check out Starport, built by the @tendermint_team - it is the easiest way to launch a blockchain! github.com/tendermint/sta…

11/ With shared security coming to the Hub + a host of other features, @cosmos is set to offer the full spectrum from sovereignty to convenience in interoperable blockchains! Follow us for more work on protocol design in @cosmos!