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How Cross-Chain Transactions Work

1. User Initiates a Transaction​

  • A user requests to move an asset from Helios to an external blockchain (or vice versa) via the Helios Portal or CLI.
  • The transaction is registered on Helios, initiating the bridge mechanism.

2. Hyperion Modules Validate the Transfer​

  • Hyperion Modules linked to the target blockchain listen for the transaction event.
  • Validators running Hyperion for the target blockchain confirm the transaction’s validity by checking external blockchain records.
  • Multiple Hyperion nodes must agree on the transaction to ensure decentralized validation.

3. Multi-Signature Confirmation​

  • Validators sign and broadcast confirmation of the transaction.
  • A threshold of confirmations (e.g., 2/3 majority) is required before executing the transfer.
  • This prevents single-entity control over asset transfers.

4. Execution on the Target Chain​

  • Once verified, the corresponding asset is either minted (if transferring into Helios) or released from escrow (if exiting Helios).
  • The transfer is finalized, and the user can see their funds on the target chain.

Security Mechanisms for Cross-Chain Transactions​

To ensure safety and prevent fraudulent activities, Helios integrates multiple security layers:

Hyperion Reputation System​

  • Validators that participate in cross-chain validation must have a high reputation score to sign transactions.
  • Validators with a history of accurate and timely validations receive priority.

Multi-Signature Approval​

  • Cross-chain transactions require multi-party validation.
  • At least 2/3 of Hyperion nodes must sign a transaction before execution.
  • This decentralized approach ensures no single entity can approve a fraudulent transaction.

Timed Lock Mechanism​

  • If a cross-chain transaction is not confirmed within a set time, it is automatically refunded.
  • This prevents assets from being stuck in limbo and enhances user confidence.

Slashing for Malicious Actors​

  • Validators attempting fraudulent transactions lose staked assets and reputation points.
  • Repeated offenses result in removal from the validator set, reducing risks of bad actors.

Automatic Cross-Chain Auditing​

  • All cross-chain transactions undergo automated integrity checks.
  • Suspicious transactions trigger additional validation steps before execution.

Distributed Bridge Operators​

  • Hyperion Modules are decentralized across multiple validators.
  • No single entity controls the bridging mechanism, ensuring redundancy and security.

Performing a Cross-Chain Transfer​

Users can perform cross-chain transfers through multiple interfaces:

  • Navigate to the Bridging Section.
  • Select the asset and target blockchain.
  • Confirm the transaction and wait for the Hyperion validation process.

2. Using the CLI (Advanced Users)​

heliades tx bridge transfer --amount 100USDT --to-chain ethereum --recipient 0x123456...
  • This command will initiate a bridge request to send 100 USDT from Helios to Ethereum.

3. Using EVM Smart Contract Calls (For Developers)​

const bridgeContract = new ethers.Contract(
  '0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000807',
  bridgeAbi,
  signer
);

await bridgeContract.initiateTransfer(
  '100000000', // Amount in smallest unit
  '0xRecipientAddress',
  'ethereum'
);

Tracking Cross-Chain Transactions​

Helios provides real-time tracking of cross-chain transactions via:

  • Helios Explorer (explorer.helioschain.network)
  • Transaction in Helios Portal or more in the Explorer
  • CLI Command: 
    heliades query bridge transactions --account <your-address>

Best Practices for Secure Cross-Chain Transactions​

To enhance security, users should follow these best practices:

  • Use Reputable Validators

    • Validators with high reputation scores offer safer cross-chain services.

  • Monitor Transactions in Real-Time

  • Enable Transaction Notifications

  • Use Secure RPC Endpoints

    • Ensure cross-chain transactions interact with verified RPC endpoints.

  • Check Multi-Signature Confirmations

    • Always verify that a sufficient number of Hyperion validators have approved your transaction before finalizing.

Ensuring a Secure Cross-Chain Ecosystem​

By leveraging a reputation-based security model, multi-signature approvals, and timed safety locks, Helios provides a robust interchain security framework. These measures ensure that cross-chain transactions remain trustless, transparent, and resistant to malicious activity.