// GLOSSARY -- WEB3 INFRASTRUCTURE

What is Wormhole?

1 min read Updated

Wormhole is a cross-chain messaging protocol connecting 30+ blockchains — originally built for Solana-Ethereum bridging, now a general-purpose interoperability layer with its own guardian network.

WHY IT MATTERS

Wormhole connects blockchains through a guardian network — 19 validator nodes that observe and attest to cross-chain messages. When a message is sent on one chain, guardians verify it and produce a signed attestation that the destination chain can verify.

Notable for the $320M exploit in February 2022 (a signature verification bug), Wormhole has since significantly improved security. The protocol now includes: NTT (Native Token Transfers), Wormhole Connect (widget for dApps), and Wormhole Gateway (Cosmos-based hub).

Wormhole is particularly strong in the Solana ecosystem and serves as primary bridge infrastructure for many cross-chain protocols.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Wormhole safe after the $320M hack?
Wormhole has undergone extensive security improvements, audits, and architecture changes since the exploit. The hack was a specific bug (signature verification), now fixed. Risk is lower but non-zero.
How does the guardian network work?
19 guardians (established validator organizations) observe messages on source chains and produce multi-signature attestations. 13/19 signatures are required to validate a cross-chain message.
Wormhole vs LayerZero vs CCIP?
Wormhole: strong Solana support, guardian-based security. LayerZero: broadest chain coverage, modular security. CCIP: Chainlink oracle security, enterprise-focused. Each has different strengths.

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