The Ethereum Foundation has unveiled its upcoming Fusaka upgrade with an exciting $2 million bounty program. This initiative invites security researchers to identify bugs in the network before the hard fork goes live, projected for late 2025 or early 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fusaka upgrade, how it aims to enhance Ethereum’s scalability, and why it’s a game-changer for decentralized finance (DeFi).
What is the Fusaka Upgrade?
The Fusaka upgrade is Ethereum’s next major evolutionary step, following the recent Pectra update. It introduces multiple Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) designed to improve scalability, network efficiency, and security. Among its headline features are Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS) and a revamped Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) format, signaling Ethereum’s commitment to staying ahead in the blockchain ecosystem.
The $2 Million Bug Bounty Program
To ensure a seamless transition, the Ethereum Foundation has launched a four-week bug bounty program in partnership with Sherlock, a leading Web3 security platform. Co-sponsored by Gnosis and Lido, the contest runs from September 15 to October 13. Rewards are boosted by a two-times multiplier during the first week and 1.5 times during the second week, allowing participants to earn significant bonuses for early contributions.
Participants can report valid bugs, which will later be compiled into an official report. In addition to the contest, Ethereum’s ongoing Bug Bounty Program offers up to $250,000 for identifying broader vulnerabilities in the network.
Core Features of Fusaka
PeerDAS (Peer Data Availability Sampling)
At the center of the Fusaka upgrade lies PeerDAS, introduced via EIP 7594. This innovative technology enables validators to verify data availability without downloading entire data sets, reducing workloads and boosting efficiency. The proposed changes increase blob data targets, paving the way for faster Layer 2 rollups and lower transaction costs.
EVM Object Format (EOF)
Fusaka revamps Ethereum Virtual Machine with the EVM Object Format. By separating code from data, introducing versioning, and adding new instructions, EOF makes bytecode easier to validate and more secure. This improves the tools developers can use to create robust smart contracts.
Deferred Features from Pectra
Several features initially planned for the Pectra upgrade will debut in Fusaka instead. These include EIP 7549 for improved rollup scalability, EIP 3670 for stricter code validation, and EIP 4750 for broader functional enhancements.
What Fusaka Means for Ethereum
For Users and Developers:
Fusaka’s improvements will make DeFi applications more affordable and accessible by driving down transaction costs. Developers will also benefit from stronger tools and scalable infrastructures for deploying decentralized applications.
For Validators:
The reduced workloads provided by PeerDAS will make participation in securing the network more accessible, strengthening decentralization.
For the Market:
When fully implemented, Fusaka is expected to attract wider adoption of Ethereum, potentially spurring demand for ETH and reinforcing its position as a leader in the blockchain space.
Development Timeline and Cautions
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has emphasized a tight schedule, suggesting Fusaka could launch immediately after Pectra’s April 2025 testnet release. However, industry experts believe late 2025 or early 2026 is a more realistic timeline. The upgrade’s complexity has led some developers to advocate for leaving out certain features, like EOF, to avoid delays.
How to Stay Informed
As Ethereum continues to break new ground with updates like Fusaka, staying informed is key. Explore products like the Ledger Nano X, a secure hardware wallet to protect your Ethereum and other assets while navigating the evolving blockchain landscape.
The Fusaka upgrade represents a significant leap forward for Ethereum’s scalability and performance. Whether you’re a developer, validator, or simply a blockchain enthusiast, Fusaka underscores Ethereum’s vision for a decentralized and efficient future in blockchain technology.
