Security Policy

Security is paramount to the Dingocoin project. This policy outlines our commitment to security, vulnerability disclosure procedures, and best practices for users and developers.

1. Security Commitment

Dingocoin is committed to maintaining the security and integrity of our blockchain network, software, and infrastructure:

• Regular security audits of core protocol implementations
• Continuous monitoring of network health and potential threats
• Timely response to security vulnerabilities and incidents
• Transparent communication with the community regarding security matters
• Collaboration with security researchers and ethical hackers

2. Supported Versions

We provide security updates for the following versions of Dingocoin software:

• Latest Release: Full security support
• Previous Major Release: Critical security patches only
• Older Versions: Not supported, upgrade strongly recommended

Always run the latest stable version of Dingocoin Core for optimal security.

3. Reporting a Vulnerability

3.1 Responsible Disclosure

If you discover a security vulnerability in Dingocoin, we encourage responsible disclosure. Please follow these guidelines:

• Do not publicly disclose the vulnerability before it is addressed
• Contact the development team privately through secure channels
• Provide detailed information about the vulnerability and reproduction steps
• Allow reasonable time for the issue to be investigated and resolved
• Work with the team to verify that the issue has been properly addressed

3.2 How to Report

To report a security vulnerability:

• GitHub Security Advisories: Use the GitHub Security tab on our repository to privately report vulnerabilities
• Email: Contact core developers via dingocoin@protonmail.com
• Discord (Private): Message moderators or core team members directly

3.3 What to Include

When reporting a vulnerability, please include:

• Description of the vulnerability
• Affected component (core node, wallet, website, etc.)
• Version information
• Steps to reproduce the issue
• Potential impact and severity assessment
• Suggested remediation (if available)

4. Response Timeline

Our typical response timeline for security reports:

• Initial Response: Within 48 hours of report submission
• Triage and Assessment: Within 7 days
• Fix Development: Varies by severity (1-30 days)
• Release and Disclosure: Coordinated with reporter

Critical vulnerabilities affecting network security will be prioritized for immediate resolution.

5. Security Best Practices

5.1 For Node Operators

• Always run the latest stable version of Dingocoin Core
• Use a firewall to restrict incoming connections
• Enable encryption for RPC connections
• Never expose RPC ports to the public internet
• Regularly backup wallet.dat files securely
• Use strong, unique passwords for RPC authentication

5.2 For Wallet Users

• Never share your private keys or seed phrases
• Use strong encryption for wallet files
• Backup your wallet in multiple secure locations
• Verify wallet software authenticity before installation
• Use hardware wallets for large holdings
• Be cautious of phishing attempts and fake wallets
• Enable 2FA on exchange accounts

5.3 For Developers

• Follow secure coding practices
• Conduct thorough code reviews
• Implement input validation and sanitization
• Use secure dependencies and keep them updated
• Implement rate limiting and DDoS protection
• Never store private keys or sensitive data in code
• Use environment variables for configuration

6. Blockchain Security

Dingocoin employs multiple security mechanisms at the blockchain level:

• AuxPoW (Merged Mining): Enhanced security through Litecoin's hashrate
• Scrypt Algorithm: ASIC-resistant proof-of-work mining
• Decentralized Network: Distributed nodes prevent single points of failure
• Consensus Mechanism: Prevents double-spending and maintains integrity
• Regular Updates: Security patches and protocol improvements

7. Infrastructure Security

7.1 Website and Services

• HTTPS encryption for all web traffic
• Content Security Policy (CSP) implementation
• DDoS protection via Cloudflare
• Regular security scans and penetration testing
• Secure API endpoints with rate limiting

7.2 Third-Party Integrations

• Regular audits of third-party dependencies
• Minimal privilege principle for API access
• Monitoring and logging of external service interactions
• Vendor security assessment before integration

8. Incident Response

In the event of a security incident:

• Immediate assessment and containment of the threat
• Transparent communication with affected users
• Coordination with exchanges and service providers
• Post-incident analysis and lessons learned
• Implementation of preventive measures

9. Bug Bounty Program

While we do not currently have a formal bug bounty program, we deeply appreciate security researchers who responsibly disclose vulnerabilities. Recognition will be provided in release notes and security advisories (with permission).

10. Security Advisories

Security advisories and updates are published through:

• GitHub Security Advisories
• Official Discord announcements
• Twitter/X @dingocoincrypto
• Reddit community posts

11. Disclaimer

While we implement industry-standard security practices, no system is completely immune to attacks. Users are responsible for their own security practices, including:

• Protecting private keys and seed phrases
• Using secure devices and networks
• Verifying transaction details before sending
• Staying informed about security best practices