Meet the teams: Zondax — Securing assets across the interchain

Interchain
The Interchain Foundation
4 min readJul 24, 2023

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As stewards of the interchain, the Interchain Foundation (ICF) advances the creation of an interoperable, sustainable, and community-owned decentralized ecosystem. We do this by building basic protocols and funding teams working on developing and furthering the adoption of the Interchain Stack.

Zondax is one of these Distributed Development Teams that the ICF works with. Since 2018, Zondax has been working on cryptographic solutions and Ledger hardware support for all Cosmos-SDK appchains in the interchain.

In this series, written by the teams that the ICF works with, we explore the work that each of them do and how it benefits the interchain.

In the early days of the interchain ecosystem, hardware wallet support was sorely lacking. Recognizing the paramount importance of asset security within the blockchain industry, Zondax took on the challenge of bridging this gap.

With the support of the Interchain Foundation (ICF), Zondax collaborated with interchain-native wallets like Keplr to bring Ledger support to the ecosystem. This blog post delves into Zondax’s ongoing efforts to maintain the “Cosmos Ledger App” and their recent technical advancements, including the transition from Amino to Sign Mode Textuals, while also exploring their involvement with the Polkadot ecosystem.

Since 2018, the Zondax team has been tirelessly dedicated to maintaining the “Cosmos Ledger App,” ensuring the security of users’ assets. To accomplish this, Zondax engages in continuous collaboration with Cosmos SDK developers. This partnership guarantees that the Ledger app can recognize and process all the new message and transaction types introduced by the SDK, thus providing users with a seamless and secure experience. Additionally, Zondax works closely with Ledger to ensure that the functionality offered by the Cosmos-SDK remains compatible with any changes made to Ledger’s firmware. This collaborative effort is crucial in fortifying the security of users’ assets across the interchain ecosystem.

In pursuit of continuous improvement, Zondax recently undertook a major technical change by transitioning support from Amino to Sign Mode Textuals. This transition aligns with the upcoming changes in the Cosmos SDK’s Eden (v0.50) release, benefitting all Cosmos appchains. Sign Mode Textuals offer enhanced functionality, allowing for more efficient and seamless operations with hardware wallets. By embracing this advancement, Zondax demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of hardware wallet security and providing users with cutting-edge solutions.

Zondax’s journey in securing the interchain ecosystem takes an exciting turn with the recent addition of Polkadot and its parachains. The team at Zondax is thrilled about the opportunities this expansion brings. Building on their experience and familiarity with Polkadot and substrate technology through their work on the Polkadot Hybrid Host Node, Zondax is well-positioned to contribute to the growth and development of the interchain.

As interoperability among different blockchains becomes increasingly prevalent, robust and user-friendly hardware wallet support becomes vital. Zondax’s dedication to advancing the security infrastructure of the interchain ecosystem ensures that users can confidently navigate this interconnected landscape.

About Zondax

In 2018, Zondax emerged onto the blockchain scene, driven by the curiosity and expertise of its founder. Initially, Zondax began as a small solutions provider, focusing primarily on developing hardware wallet apps. However, as time went on, Zondax recognized the immense potential of blockchain technology and eagerly embraced the challenges and opportunities it presented.

With an unwavering commitment to security and innovation, Zondax soon expanded its horizons beyond hardware wallet apps. The company delved into exploring other blockchain projects and became actively involved in the development of several prominent ecosystems. Notable projects that Zondax has contributed to include Cosmos, Filecoin, ICP, and many more. By actively participating in these ecosystems, Zondax has solidified its position as a trusted partner in the blockchain industry.

Zondax’s success can be attributed to its relentless pursuit of security and trust. In an industry where the integrity of transactions and the protection of assets are of utmost importance, Zondax has consistently delivered robust solutions. Leveraging their expertise in hardware wallet apps and their expanding knowledge of diverse blockchain ecosystems, the company has earned a reputation for reliability and excellence.

Central to Zondax’s ethos is its dedication to security, trust, and innovation. From its humble beginnings as a small solutions provider, the company has demonstrated a relentless passion for pushing boundaries and making a lasting impact. With a diverse and talented team at its core, Zondax has fostered an environment conducive to exploration and collaboration.

Zondax’s journey from a modest startup to a key player in the blockchain industry showcases their ability to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing landscape. By remaining true to their core principles, Zondax continues to explore new opportunities, collaborate with leading projects, and deliver cutting-edge security solutions. Their unwavering commitment ensures that the blockchain industry will thrive and flourish in the face of evolving threats and challenges.

As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, Zondax stands at the forefront, poised to provide innovative solutions and enhance the security and trust within the ecosystem. With a strong foundation built on expertise, reliability, and a passion for innovation, Zondax remains a reliable partner for cutting-edge projects and an advocate for the growth and success of the blockchain industry as a whole.

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Interchain
The Interchain Foundation

As stewards of the interchain, we advance the development of an interoperable, sustainable, and community-owned decentralized ecosystem. https://interchain.io/