# ZetaChain - what is? By [CryptoAdamant](https://paragraph.com/@cryptoadamant) · 2023-03-20 --- ZetaChain: A Revolution in Cross-Chain Interoperability ------------------------------------------------------- Blockchain technology has revolutionized the way we transact and interact with digital assets. However, as the number of blockchain networks grows, so does the need for a seamless integration and communication between them. This is where ZetaChain comes in, providing a solution for cross-chain interoperability. Built on Cosmos SDK, ZetaChain is a Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain that is connected to various external blockchains and layers. This allows developers to build omnichain decentralized applications (odApps) with the same ease as developing for a single network like Ethereum or Polygon, while leveraging composability across networks. ZetaChain offers two ways for users and developers to utilize its cross-chain capabilities. First, ZetaChain provides EVM compatible smart contracts, allowing developers to customize their existing Ethereum dApps to function across all connected networks. Additionally, ZetaChain has built-in decentralized bridges to and from all connected chains, enabling assets and data to enter and exit ZetaChain with ease. Secondly, ZetaChain is a programmable public computer that directly reads and updates states on all connected networks. This means that the application logic primarily lives on ZetaChain, while the states primarily live on external chains. This opens up endless possibilities for developers to build omnichain applications that can monitor and perform events on all connected chains. Some of the possible applications that can be built using ZetaChain include cross-chain DEXes in native tokens without wrapping, decentralized and fault-tolerant bridges, omnichain smart contracts, cross-chain lending and yield protocols, and omnichain NFT apps. ZetaChain’s cross-chain interoperability brings benefits such as a more efficient, transparent, and trustless way of conducting transactions across different blockchain networks. With ZetaChain, developers can focus on building the best user experience without worrying about the underlying technical complexities of cross-chain communication. ZetaChain’s developer community is excited to explore the possibilities of omnichain products and usher in a new era of user experience for everyone. ZetaChain’s mission is to make blockchain technology more accessible and interoperable, and their innovative solution for cross-chain communication brings us one step closer to a decentralized future. The world of blockchain technology has brought about immense possibilities for innovation and transformation. However, with these possibilities come inherent security risks. In order to build a robust and secure network, ZetaChain has implemented extensive protection and defense measures to ensure the security of its network. ZetaChain is built on a decentralized architecture and infrastructure, utilizing Tendermint for consensus. This decentralized approach means that the network is not controlled by a single entity, reducing the risk of attacks or manipulation. Additionally, ZetaChain uses the GG20 leaderless Threshold Signature Scheme (TSS), which does key generation and signing in a distributed way. This means that no single node or individual has access to the complete private key at any point in time, enhancing the security of the network. When developing the swap feature, ZetaChain has taken a unique approach by utilizing the liquidity pools of well-established networks like Uniswap and PancakeSwap. Rather than developing vaults controlled by ZetaChain, this approach substantially reduces the attack surface and ensures that the network remains secure. All transactions and decisions made on the network are recorded in ZetaChain blocks, which are immutable, verifiable, and completely transparent. This ensures that the network remains secure and any unauthorized activity can be easily identified and addressed. In addition to technical measures, ZetaChain has implemented social and economic measures to enhance the security of the network. These measures include community-driven governance, a reward system for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, and partnerships with security-focused firms. ZetaChain’s commitment to security-first is evident in its approach to building a robust and secure network. The combination of technical, social, and economic measures ensures that the network remains secure and can withstand any potential threats or attacks. As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, security will remain a top priority for any successful network. ZetaChain’s dedication to building a secure network is a testament to its commitment to providing a reliable and trustworthy platform for its users. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/d3b85c70e73b9cafcdd6be5250cc75b8b7aa667f22ff74b67f2d9caf70e0bb89.png) ZetaChain’s ZETA Token: At the Core of Cross-Chain Security and Transfer ZetaChain’s token, ZETA, is at the heart of its cross-chain transfer and security mechanisms. It is used to pay the gas fees for ZetaChain smart contracts and to secure the PoS ZetaChain blockchain through bonding, staking, and slashing. ZETA is one of the first multi-chain tokens natively issued across multiple chains and layers. This means that users can move the ZETA token directly from any chain A to chain B using a one-way peg mechanism. The process involves burning X amount of tokens on chain A and minting the same X amount on chain B. One of the key benefits of using ZETA for cross-chain transfers is that there is no wrapping, which eliminates the need for multiple representations of the same underlying asset. ZETA is the only native value that can go cross-chain, reducing the attack surface and increasing the security of the network. This makes it easier to audit and understand the total supply of the token. Users can pay ZETA for the cross-chain service that ZETA provides and for gas on the destination chain. This means that ZETA is not only a store of value but also a utility token that facilitates cross-chain transfers and transactions. ZetaChain’s commitment to using its own token for cross-chain transfers and security demonstrates its dedication to building a robust and secure network. By using ZETA as the native value for cross-chain transfers, ZetaChain is able to reduce the attack surface and enhance the security of the network, providing users with a reliable and trustworthy platform. As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, cross-chain transfer and security will become increasingly important. ZetaChain’s innovative use of the ZETA token positions it at the forefront of this trend, providing users with a seamless and secure cross-chain transfer experience. --- *Originally published on [CryptoAdamant](https://paragraph.com/@cryptoadamant/zetachain-what-is)*