🍥Security Model

Security is not an add-on, it is the foundation.

Astral Gate is built around a clear, minimal security model focused on correctness, transparency, and risk reduction. The protocol follows six core security principles:

#	Security Principle	Description
1	Minimal Attack Surface	Only essential bridge functionality is implemented, reducing complexity and limiting potential vulnerabilities.
2	Non-Custodial Asset Control	User funds are never held off-chain. Assets are locked and released exclusively through on-chain smart contracts.
3	Deterministic Lock & Release	Tokens are released on the destination chain only after a verified lock event on the source chain.
4	Verified Messaging & Finality	Cross-chain messages are processed only after sufficient confirmations, preventing replay and invalid execution.
5	Safe P2P Execution	Optional P2P fulfillment cannot bypass protocol rules and remains anchored to on-chain settlement logic.
6	Controlled Upgrades & Safeguards	Transparent upgrade paths and emergency controls protect users during exceptional scenarios.

A secure bridge is predictable, verifiable, and simple.