Code4rena

Code4rena launched with the bold mission of democratizing smart contract security while significantly raising the industry standard. Traditional audits are often expensive, time-constrained, and limited to the expertise of a small team. In contrast, Code4rena created a new category — the competitive audit — in which projects host bounty-based contests that attract skilled researchers from around the globe to find vulnerabilities.

With over 467 audits completed and 1,365 high-severity vulnerabilities discovered, Code4rena has proven its ability to deliver results. The platform works by allowing Sponsors to post a bounty, attracting Wardens to inspect the code and submit issues. Submissions are reviewed by judges, severity-ranked, and then awarded. The result is a fully transparent, high-throughput auditing process that mirrors real-world conditions.

Code4rena offers two distinct services: its core competitive audit system and the premium Zenith audit, which involves hand-selected experts for deep consultative reviews. This gives clients the option of either crowd-sourced breadth or targeted depth depending on their needs. Once complete, most audit reports are published publicly to benefit the entire security community.

The model also benefits security researchers: Wardens can earn thousands in rewards per audit, receive public recognition through the leaderboard, and collaborate with other top minds in the space. With more than 25,000 unique findings submitted to date and a well-documented judging process, Code4rena fosters a thriving ecosystem of incentives, accountability, and transparency.

Compared to firms like Halborn, Trail of Bits, or OpenZeppelin, Code4rena’s model delivers faster turnaround times, flexible pricing, and far broader review coverage — without compromising rigor. Whether launching a new dApp or securing upgrades to a live protocol, Code4rena provides unmatched value in audit services.

Code4rena provides numerous benefits and features that make it a standout solution in the Web3 security space:

• High-Severity Vulnerability Discovery: Over 1,300+ critical issues discovered thanks to the power of open, competitive auditing.
• Fast Start Times: Begin an audit in as little as 48 hours with instant visibility to a global warden network.
• Unmatched Audit Breadth: More than 100 researchers contribute to each audit — equivalent to 6 months of traditional review in a single week.
• Zenith Option for Consultative Audits: Custom hand-picked audit teams for projects needing white-glove analysis.
• Transparent Judging: Industry-respected judges validate and classify all submitted findings to ensure fairness.
• Public Reporting: Final audit reports are published for full transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Leaderboard and Community: Wardens can earn recognition, status, and bounties while leveling up their reputation.

Code4rena offers an easy onboarding path for projects looking to audit their smart contracts or researchers looking to compete:

• Step 1 – Visit the Website: Go to code4rena.com and click “Get an Audit” to start the sponsor process.
• Step 2 – Post Your Audit: Define the audit scope and fund a reward pool. Code4rena handles onboarding and scheduling.
• Step 3 – Go Live: Within days, your project will be open to vetted security researchers from around the world.
• Step 4 – Receive Findings: Wardens submit reports. Judges review and assign severity ratings.
• Step 5 – View Final Report: Receive a structured audit report with all valid submissions, mitigation guidance, and award breakdowns.
• For Researchers: Register at code4rena.com/register, complete account setup, and start competing in open audits.
• Need Help? Visit the Code4rena Docs or ask in the Code4rena Discord community.