Validator Set Tracking

Validator Set Tracking is the process by which a cross-chain bridge maintains an accurate and up-to-date list of the active validators on the source chain. Because validator sets change over time through staking, un-staking, or slashing, the bridge must process these changes to remain secure.

If the bridge uses an outdated validator set, it could accept fraudulent proofs signed by former, malicious validators. This requires the bridge to monitor the source chain's governance or staking contracts continuously.

Effective tracking ensures that the bridge only recognizes signatures from currently authorized participants. It is a critical security component for decentralized, multi-signature, or threshold-signature bridges.