Vitalik Buterin, a prominent figure in the Ethereum 
$2,543 ecosystem, recently cautioned that “Stage-2” frameworks alone do not guarantee security in Layer 2 (L2) solutions. According to Buterin, enhancing the robustness of fundamental proof systems is crucial, otherwise, the transition phase will offer limited benefits. This has brought attention to the increasingly complex risk map in L2 scaling projects, leading to renewed discussions on where security vulnerabilities begin and end for both developers and end-users.
Foundations Needed for Security Beyond Stage-2
Buterin expanded on the debate by stating that “Stage-2 is not the sole criterion for security,” suggesting that multisig-based proof systems may reduce error possibilities. High-quality cryptographic proofs permeating every layer of the network could provide a healthier basis for protocol updates. Experts caution that without a mature L2 network backed by audit reports and maturity indicators, high-level labels might give a false sense of security.
In parallel, the developer community is scrutinizing both on-chain and off-chain attack scenarios. Particularly in decentralized applications, the liquidity flows, enhanced by weak proof structures, remain vulnerable to manipulation. Simply assuming security levels rise with version name changes is inaccurate; rather, the flawlessness of the technical foundation plays a decisive role.
“BattleTested” Label and Community Contributions
Daniel Wang, one of Starknet’s founders, proposed adding a “BattleTested” label to the Stage-2 status to visibly show that the code has been tested in real-world conditions. Such a label could serve as a significant reference point for developers and cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Wang believes that modules functioning perfectly in laboratory settings can lead to entirely different issues during peak transaction periods, hence real-world testing should become mandatory.
Community members are advocating for the inclusion of audit firms, independent researchers, and open-source contributors under one roof, with documented results. Weekly “bug bounty” programs, multisig approval, and continuous integration tests, when considered together, are seen to provide a safer environment for the currently locked total value in the chain. Consequently, Ethereum’s scaling journey promises not just speed or cost advantages but a robust security backbone.
