# L̶a̶u̶n̶c̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ Breaking Socket DataLayer

By [SOCKET Protocol](https://paragraph.com/@socket) · 2023-04-27

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_TL;DR: We’re launching Socket DataLayer (Socket DL) incentivized testnet on 1st May 2023. Break the testnet to earn your place in SocketSentinels, a collective that drives security for the Socket Protocol_

> **Join the Surge here:** [surge.socket.tech](https://surge.socket.tech/)

Cross-chain messaging protocols are extremely complex to build. And mistakes are costly: the long list of bridge exploits is just the start. As more & more protocols build upon messaging infra, the smallest vulnerabilities can completely destroy protocols & chains.

We need a robust & long term approach to security to ensure that developers can fearlessly build unified protocols with shared state & liquidity across chains.

Collective >> Individuals
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![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/854719f27399e75b1a52f7a355c3058ddc2ef8f7c62b72378fff5a9352122235.png)

At Socket, we believe that hard & complex problems are best solved by collectives rather than individuals. That's why we’re bringing together **SocketSentinels** - an exclusive community of security experts with a shared mission: secure interoperability

SocketSentinels is a collective of security researchers, interoperability and rollup experts, hackers, & developers, to drive long-term security for the Socket Protocol. SocketSentinels function as the security-arm to the core-team to lead Socket’s security-first culture.

They will also play a key role in Socket governance & have a vested stake in the long-term success of Socket. As part of our commitment to providing the most secure interoperability protocol, Socket has allocated 5% of any future Socket tokens towards this and other security initiatives.

SocketSurge — Incentivised Testnet
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![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/e6f0aae688581099ef1618d5ecb776533cc5b464a17a18d806d41394d86623fb.png)

Surge is your opportunity to earn your place in SocketSentinels by showcasing your security expertise & competing with fellow hackers. Only the worthy can join the collective, stack SurgePoints to show us you got it.

SocketSurge Wave-1 has a generous portion of the 5% security-budget allocated towards it in addition to 150,000 USDC

> **When**: Surge Wave-1 initiates on May1, 2023 and will be active for 4 weeks. **Where**: WarRoom, secret link to join will be communicated via email **Register on the website:** [surge.socket.tech](https://surge.socket.tech/)

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*Originally published on [SOCKET Protocol](https://paragraph.com/@socket/l-a-u-n-c-h-i-n-g-breaking-socket-datalayer)*