Glossary · S
Shared Security
An architecture where multiple services inherit cryptoeconomic security from a common stake pool rather than recruiting separate validators. Restaking (notably EigenLayer) is the main 2024–2026 expression: ETH stake secures Ethereum plus opt-in AVSs. Shared security can speed bootstrap of new networks, but correlates slashing and operational risk across services. Also searched as: pooled security, restaking security model.
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How Shared Security works in practice
Shared security means several networks drawing on one pool of staked capital rather than each raising its own. It removes the cold-start problem for new chains and services, and it couples their fates.
Worked example
Ten services secured by the same restaked ETH each benefit from security far larger than they could bootstrap alone. Their combined slashing exposure, however, sits on one pool of capital.
Figures are illustrative and chosen to be checkable, not live market data.
The mistake that costs people money
Shared security is also shared risk. Losses in one service reduce the capital backing every other, and the correlation is invisible until something fails.
Shared Security: common questions
- What is Shared Security?
- An architecture where multiple services inherit cryptoeconomic security from a common stake pool rather than recruiting separate validators. Restaking (notably EigenLayer) is the main 2024–2026 expression: ETH stake secures Ethereum plus opt-in AVSs. Shared security can speed bootstrap of new networks, but correlates slashing and operational risk across services. Also searched as: pooled security, restaking security model.
- How does Shared Security work in practice?
- Shared security means several networks drawing on one pool of staked capital rather than each raising its own. It removes the cold-start problem for new chains and services, and it couples their fates.
- Can you give an example of Shared Security?
- Ten services secured by the same restaked ETH each benefit from security far larger than they could bootstrap alone. Their combined slashing exposure, however, sits on one pool of capital.
- What do people get wrong about Shared Security?
- Shared security is also shared risk. Losses in one service reduce the capital backing every other, and the correlation is invisible until something fails.
- Where can I learn more about Shared Security?
- Our full guide, What Is Restaking / EigenLayer?, covers Shared Security in depth with worked scenarios and the risks involved. This glossary entry is the short definition.