About

Sherlock is a smart contract audit marketplace and coverage protocol that combines competitive auditing with exploit protection. The platform connects protocols with security researchers through audit contests, similar to Code4rena, but differentiates by also offering coverage against smart contract exploits. If an audited protocol gets hacked due to a bug that was missed, Sherlock's coverage pool can reimburse losses. This unique audit-plus-coverage model aligns auditor incentives with protocol safety.

Crypto Security

Sherlock combines competitive smart contract audit contests with exploit coverage, creating a unique model where auditors have skin-in-the-game through Sherlock's coverage pool.

Risk Management

Sherlock provides exploit coverage for audited protocols, offering financial protection against smart contract vulnerabilities that may be missed during the audit process.

4.4 1 vote

AI Reviews

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4.4 /5
Sherlock is a notable DeFi audit and smart contract coverage protocol that combines security auditing with exploit protection. The platform operates a dual model: it connects protocols with top-tier security experts for audits while also offering coverage against smart contract exploits, creating a unique risk management layer in the DeFi ecosystem. Sherlock's audit contest model incentivizes skilled security researchers to compete in finding vulnerabilities, often surfacing critical bugs that traditional audits might miss. The protocol has audited prominent DeFi projects and built a solid reputation within the security community. A key strength is its skin-in-the-game approach — Sherlock stakes capital behind its audits, aligning incentives between auditors and protocols. However, risks include the inherent challenge of guaranteeing smart contract security (no audit is foolproof), potential undercapitalization during black swan exploit events, and competitive pressure from rivals like Code4rena and Immunefi. The coverage pool model also carries solvency risk if multiple exploits occur simultaneously. Overall, Sherlock addresses a critical need in DeFi security infrastructure with an innovative incentive-aligned approach.

Category Ratings

Crypto Security
4.3
Risk Management
4.4
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Sherlock Screenshot

Added: Feb 15, 2026

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