As it is based on EOS.IO public software, the Telos Network utilizes a Delegated Proof-of-Stake consensus. Misbehaving validators can easily ruin the decentralization of such systems since just a few validators operate the voting power of numerous delegators.
Crime
According to an official statement from the Telos Foundation, they revealed that some block producers were involved in inappropriate shared access to signing keys of block producers. This, in turn, resulted in network over-centralization and degradation of its security.
Read our statement about the recent disputes concerning Telos network security: #telos #blockchain #governance https://t.co/U6hfREFEVv
— The Telos Foundation (@HelloTelos) March 23, 2020
The best part of the story is the fact that some of the corrupted block producers also held positions in the Telos Foundation. Thus, malefactors were able to affect the development and marketing progress of the whole project.
To protect network security from further degradation, they decided to make appropriate adjustments to the Telos Foundation board and various board member responsibilities.
Punishment
Three system-level managers of the Telos Foundation were penalized for the disclosed episodes of corruption.
- Daniel Uzcátegui has been removed from the board as of March 11th, 2020.
- Richard Bryan will remain on the board in his position as CFO but is ceasing operation of the Telosdac “telosdacnode” block producer.
- Also, Rob James informed the board that he would be stepping down from his position as a Telos Foundation board member.
According to the Telos Foundation rules, outgoing board members remain in the organization for thirty days after their resignation or notice of removal as ex-officio members to transition their responsibilities to the remaining members.
The Telos project is a platform for EOS.IO-based dApps and DAOs. It also develops decentralized data storage systems.
Arman Shirinyan
Tomiwabold Olajide
Gamza Khanzadaev
