Sui, a leading Layer 1 blockchain known for its high performance and horizontal scaling, has become the first blockchain to integrate SCION, a next-generation network architecture. This move addresses vulnerabilities in the traditional Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), offering enhanced protection against internet routing attacks that have plagued other networks.

The Security Risks of BGP

The BGP protocol, responsible for routing data across independent networks, was developed in the 1980s without security considerations. Its vulnerabilities allow attackers to hijack network traffic, sometimes rerouting it to malicious destinations. Notably, in 2018, attackers exploited BGP to steal over $17 million in Ethereum by rerouting DNS traffic to fake servers.

SCION: The Future of Internet Security

Developed by Swiss researchers, SCION offers a secure alternative to BGP. By enabling cryptographically protected network paths, SCION prevents unauthorized rerouting of data. Its integration into Sui ensures that the blockchain’s validators and nodes are protected from network hijacking and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

With SCION, Sui’s network becomes more resilient to attacks. Validators gain the ability to switch between networks in the event of an attack, maintaining operational uptime. Full nodes benefit from increased connection reliability, bypassing network bottlenecks, while SCION’s multi-pathing reduces latency by over 10%.

A Collaboration for the Future

Sui’s SCION integration was made possible through partnerships with Anapaya Systems, Cyberlink, InterCloud, and Karrier One. This collaboration ensures that Sui remains the most secure blockchain infrastructure, with applications in critical industries. SCION is now live on Sui’s testnet, marking a significant advancement in blockchain security.