Arbitrum Commits Millions to Ecosystem Security @arbitrum has launched its new Arbitrum Security Program (ASP), a funded initiative designed to subsidise smart contract security audits for pr
@arbitrum has launched its new Arbitrum Security Program (ASP), a funded initiative designed to subsidise smart contract security audits for projects building across its ecosystem. The program commits approximately $7.8 million (1.76 million USDC and 25 million $ARB) to protect the Arbitrum ecosystem.
The move builds on the network's earlier audit efforts. The ASP evolves and broadens the Arbitrum Audit Program, which launched in August 2025 with a one-year mandate.It now rests on four pillars: AI-assisted screening ahead of a full audit, the human-conducted audit itself, the Arbitrum bug bounty program, and the ArbitrumDAO Security Council.
The new program introduces an updated framework designed to ensure projects are audit-ready before entering the program, create greater alignment between participating teams and the Arbitrum ecosystem, and make audit funding available to more projects.
The program covers applications on testnet, mainnet projects, projects migrating from other blockchains, and exclusive Arbitrum chains. In short, whether a team is launching fresh on mainnet, building a custom chain using $ARB's toolkit, or migrating from a rival network, they may be eligible for support.
The program aims to address funding barriers that often force early-stage projects to either allocate large portions of capital to security requirements or risk launching without proper audits. Approved auditing firms involved in the program include @OpenZeppelin, @trailofbits, @cyfrin, and @Nethermind.
The Foundation will subsidise a portion of selected projects' audits depending on the commercial agreement reached with each project.In nearly all cases, projects will also be expected to have skin in the game and pay for a portion of the audit.
For @arbitrum, the timing makes strategic sense. Arbitrum is still one of the strongest Ethereum Layer 2 networks for users who care about deep DeFi liquidity and a mature app ecosystem, and it remains a strong option for builders who want to use Stylus or launch custom chains through Orbit. Shoring up ecosystem security helps defend that position as competition among Layer 2 networks intensifies.
Sources:Arbitrum Foundation: Introducing the Arbitrum Security ProgramThe Block: Arbitrum Foundation plans to allocate $14 million in ARB to subsidize security audits
