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Halborn

  • What it is:Halborn is a blockchain cybersecurity firm specializing in smart contract audits, penetration testing, and security consulting for Web3, financial services, and gaming sectors.
  • Best for:Major blockchain protocols, High-value DeFi projects, Financial institutions entering crypto
  • Pricing:Starting from Custom quote
  • Rating:88/100Very Good
  • Expert's conclusion:Halborn is the best fit for large-scale enterprises and major Web3 projects that need the most comprehensive and expert blockchain security audits and consulting from the industry’s top blockchain security provider.
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Reviewed byMaxim Manylov·Web3 Engineer & Serial Founder

What Is Halborn and What Does It Do?

Halborn is an emerging leader in the blockchain security industry providing cyber security services including smart contract audit, penetration testing, and security consulting for Web3 applications. Since its founding in 2019, the company has served major clients such as Coinbase, Polygon, and Solana. Halborn provides its services using a team of more than eighty security engineers. The company’s mission is to protect digital assets across financial services, gaming, and blockchain infrastructure.

Active
📍Miami, Florida
📅Founded 2019
🏢Private
TARGET SEGMENTS
Web3 ProjectsFinancial InstitutionsGamingBlockchain InfrastructureDeFi Protocols

What Are Halborn's Key Business Metrics?

📊
80+
Security Engineers
🏢
100+
Total Employees
📊
$90M Series A
Funding Raised
📊
Coinbase, Polygon, Solana
Major Clients
📊
4
Patents Filed
📊
6+
Years in Operation

How Credible and Trustworthy Is Halborn?

88/100
Excellent

The company has established itself as a leader in blockchain security with a team of highly skilled engineering talent, high level client relationships, and substantial funding. These factors have created a strong foundation of trust among potential customers and demonstrate the company's extensive knowledge of blockchain security.

BREAKDOWN
Product Maturity90/100
Company Stability85/100
Security & Compliance95/100
User Reviews80/100
Transparency85/100
Support Quality90/100
TRUST SIGNALS
Trusted by Coinbase, Polygon, Solana$90M Series A funding80+ elite security engineers4 blockchain security patentsGreat Place to Work certified

What is the history of Halborn and its key milestones?

2019

Company Founded

Halborn was founded by serial entrepreneur Rob Behnke and well-known ethical hacker Steven Walbroehl who together bring more than twenty-five years of experience in cybersecurity.

2021

Rapid Growth Phase

In addition to having a large staff of more than one hundred people, including more than eighty security engineers serving Web3 clients; the company also achieved self-funded growth to the size of the company today.

2023

Series A Funding

Halborn raised ninety million dollars in Series A funding to expand their security team and create blockchain security Software as a Service (SaaS) products that can be used by companies to improve their security posture.

2022

Critical Vulnerability Discovery

Halborn identified a critical vulnerability impacting the top cryptocurrency wallet providers, including MetaMask.

What Are the Key Features of Halborn?

✨
Smart Contract Audits
Halborn uses a combination of both manual and automated methods to analyze smart contracts running on various blockchain platforms to identify any vulnerabilities.
✨
Penetration Testing
Halborn utilizes advanced red team techniques to simulate attacks against their clients' applications and infrastructure, including web apps, mobile apps, cloud infrastructure, and blockchain protocols.
✨
Incident Response
When a security breach occurs, Halborn responds quickly and assists in the forensic investigation of the breach as well as provides assistance to help recover from the breach.
💬
Multi-Chain Support
Halborn performs security assessments on major blockchain platforms, including Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and other platforms.
🔒
Infrastructure Security
Halborn evaluates the security of the cloud and local infrastructure and performs key management assessments, as well as conducts stress testing to evaluate the overall security of blockchain operations.
✨
DevSecOps Automation
Halborn offers continuous security automation, code review pipeline services, and DevOps security implementation services to assist in maintaining their clients' security posture.

What Technology Stack and Infrastructure Does Halborn Use?

Infrastructure

Cloud-native with blockchain node infrastructure

Technologies

Blockchain ProtocolsSolidityRustSmart Contract Analysis ToolsPenetration Testing Frameworks

Integrations

Multi-chain SupportCloud InfrastructureWeb3 WalletsDeFi Protocols

AI/ML Capabilities

Advanced automated vulnerability detection combined with manual expert analysis for comprehensive smart contract security

Inferred from service descriptions and blockchain security practices; specific frameworks not publicly detailed

What Are the Best Use Cases for Halborn?

DeFi Protocol Developers
Halborn’s comprehensive smart contract audits are designed to prevent multi-million dollar exploits and ensure that the security of blockchain protocols are ensured before they are launched.
Layer 1 Blockchain Teams
Halborn performs protocol-level security assessments and infrastructure testing to protect the core stability of blockchain networks and the security of validators.
Web3 Gaming Projects
Halborn’s application and NFT smart contract security testing ensures that in-game economy and player asset protection is in place.
Institutional Crypto Custodians
Halborn performs enterprise grade infrastructure reviews and key management assessment to ensure billions of dollars worth of digital assets are protected.
NOT FORIndividual Developers
Enterprise focused high cost services are best used for large enterprise environments managing large amounts of assets versus solo project environments.
NOT FORNon-Blockchain Applications
Halborn has specialized expertise in blockchain security that does not apply to traditional web2 application security needs.

How Much Does Halborn Cost and What Plans Are Available?

Pricing information with service tiers, costs, and details
☐Service$CostℹDetails🔗Source
Smart Contract AuditsCustom quoteComprehensive vulnerability analysis across multiple chains, remediation guidance includedOfficial website
Penetration TestingCustom quoteOffensive security testing for blockchain infrastructure, web/mobile applicationsOfficial website
Security AdvisoryCustom quotevCISO services, tailored security roadmaps for blockchain projects and financial institutionsOfficial blog
Incident ResponseCustom quoteRapid response, forensics investigation, attack recovery support—
Smart Contract AuditsCustom quote
Comprehensive vulnerability analysis across multiple chains, remediation guidance included
Official website
Penetration TestingCustom quote
Offensive security testing for blockchain infrastructure, web/mobile applications
Official website
Security AdvisoryCustom quote
vCISO services, tailored security roadmaps for blockchain projects and financial institutions
Official blog
Incident ResponseCustom quote
Rapid response, forensics investigation, attack recovery support

How Does Halborn Compare to Competitors?

FeatureHalbornChainalysisFortaElliptic
Core FunctionalitySmart contract audits, pentesting, incident responseForensic accounting, complianceSmart contract monitoringCrypto fraud prevention
Starting PriceCustom quote$500M+ funding scale$23M funding scale$100M+ funding scale
Free Tier AvailabilityNoNoNoNo
Enterprise FeaturesYes (vCISO, advisory)Yes (compliance tools)PartialYes (institutional)
API AvailabilityN/A (services)YesYesYes
Multi-Chain SupportYes (Solana, Polygon, etc.)PartialYesPartial
Support OptionsDedicated engineering teamEnterprise supportProtocol supportEnterprise support
Security CertificationsPerfect security record
Client RosterCoinbase, Solana, PolygonMajor exchangesProtocolsFinancial institutions
Core Functionality
HalbornSmart contract audits, pentesting, incident response
ChainalysisForensic accounting, compliance
FortaSmart contract monitoring
EllipticCrypto fraud prevention
Starting Price
HalbornCustom quote
Chainalysis$500M+ funding scale
Forta$23M funding scale
Elliptic$100M+ funding scale
Free Tier Availability
HalbornNo
ChainalysisNo
FortaNo
EllipticNo
Enterprise Features
HalbornYes (vCISO, advisory)
ChainalysisYes (compliance tools)
FortaPartial
EllipticYes (institutional)
API Availability
HalbornN/A (services)
ChainalysisYes
FortaYes
EllipticYes
Multi-Chain Support
HalbornYes (Solana, Polygon, etc.)
ChainalysisPartial
FortaYes
EllipticPartial
Support Options
HalbornDedicated engineering team
ChainalysisEnterprise support
FortaProtocol support
EllipticEnterprise support
Security Certifications
HalbornPerfect security record
Chainalysis—
Forta—
Elliptic—
Client Roster
HalbornCoinbase, Solana, Polygon
ChainalysisMajor exchanges
FortaProtocols
EllipticFinancial institutions

How Does Halborn Compare to Competitors?

vs Chainalysis

Halborn provides proactive security audits and pentesting for blockchain protocols, while Chainalysis provides reactive forensic investigation and compliance to its customers. Halborn serves the developer directly; Chainalysis targets the exchanges and the regulators.

Halborn for pre launch security; Chainalysis for post incident investigations.

vs Forta

Forta provides a real time smart contract monitoring as a service; Halborn provides comprehensive manual audits and full stack pentesting. Halborn has a much larger team (80+ engineers) which enables more complex engagements.

Forta for continuous monitoring; Halborn for deep security assessments.

vs Elliptic

Elliptic is primarily concerned with AML/KYT compliance for financial institutions, while Halborn is primarily concerned with technical security for protocols and infrastructure. Halborn also has experience working with more blockchain native clients such as Solana.

Elliptic for regulatory compliance; Halborn for technical blockchain security.

vs OpenZeppelin

Both companies provide smart contract auditing, however Halborn provides a broader range of full stack services including pentesting and incident response. Halborn demonstrates multi chain expertise with multiple high profile clients.

Halborn for end to end security; OpenZeppelin for audit focused teams.

What are the strengths and limitations of Halborn?

Pros

  • Industry leading expertise – Trusted by Coinbase, Solana, Polygon, BlockFi
  • Large security team – 80+ engineers that enable complex engagements.
  • Full stack coverage – Smart Contracts, Infrastructure, Web/Mobile, Incident Response
  • Perfect Security Record – No breaches in own systems; uses Yubi Keys.
  • Mastery of multiple-chains — Proven on Solana, Polygon, XRP Ledger, Avalanche.
  • Fast delivery of value to customers — Customers report getting actionable results from their audits immediately.
  • Enterprise-level — vCISO services and advising for financial institutions.
  • Proven to be scalable — Funded a Series A round of $90 million dollars. Has over 100 employees working worldwide.

Cons

  • Only custom pricing available — No clear pricing is provided on the site. Requires a sales consultation prior to providing a quote.
  • Model of services — The company does not provide software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or monitoring. All client engagement are project-based.
  • Premium Positioning — For new projects, the premium positioning of Halborn may make it too expensive.
  • Manually processed — Availability and schedules of auditors will limit how quickly audits can occur.
  • No Self-Service — Can't get an audit done instantly without first hiring a team.
  • Long Turnaround Time — Most comprehensive audits can take weeks or months as opposed to products that continuously monitor.
  • Focuses on Enterprise — Large-scale companies may find Halborn overwhelms them. Small projects or simply need a basic audit may find Halborn to be too much.
  • Limited Automation — No Continuous Monitoring Product Offering.

Who Is Halborn Best For?

Best For

  • Major blockchain protocols — Has deep multi-chain experience on Solana, Polygon, Coinbase.
  • High-value DeFi projects — Essential for protecting user funds and TVL, perfect security records.
  • Financial institutions entering crypto — vCISO Advisory Services bridges traditional security with blockchain.
  • Layer 1 blockchains — Provides complex infrastructure pentesting beyond simply auditing contracts.
  • Projects with $10M+ TVL — Is budget justifiable for full-stack comprehensive security assessments.

Not Suitable For

  • Solo developers or hobby projects — Custom Quotes and Enterprise Focus Better Suited for Smaller Auditors such as Quantstamp Defender.
  • Simple ERC-20 token launches — Overkill for basic token contracts; Consider Automated Tools or Junior Auditors.
  • Budget-constrained startups — Pricing model is premium; Explore Open Source Tools or Community Auditors.
  • Real-time monitoring needs — Only Services Based; Consider Forta or OpenZeppelin Defender for Continuous Protection.

Are There Usage Limits or Geographic Restrictions for Halborn?

Pricing Model
Custom quotes only - no public pricing
Engagement Type
Project-based services, no SaaS subscription
Team Size
80+ engineers - availability may vary
Audit Scope
Custom scope per engagement, multi-week duration
Client Focus
Enterprise-grade projects and protocols
Self-Service
None available - requires team engagement
Continuous Monitoring
Manual audits only, no automated tools
Geographic Availability
Global team with major US hub (Miami)

Is Halborn Secure and Compliant?

Perfect Security RecordZero breaches in own systems. Uses YubiKeys for phishing-resistant authentication.
Industry TrustTrusted by Coinbase, Solana, Polygon, Phantom, BlockFi - no client losses reported.
Key Security PracticesRecommends HSM/MPC solutions, cold/hot wallet separation, multi-sig with segregated roles.
Expert Team80+ security engineers with 25+ years founder experience. Identified MetaMask vulnerabilities.
Full-Stack AssessmentSmart contracts, infrastructure, web/mobile applications, red team operations.
vCISO ServicesVirtual CISO offering with custom security roadmaps for blockchain enterprises.
Proven MethodologyDetailed test plans, exploitability metrics (AO: A/S, AC: L/M/H), remediation guidance.
Responsible DisclosureHeld MetaMask vulnerability disclosure for nearly a year until fixed.

What Customer Support Options Does Halborn Offer?

Channels
support@halborn.com for security inquiries and consultationsAvailable on halborn.com for audit and service requests
Hours
Business hours (remote team)
Response Time
Prompt response for enterprise clients; sales contact required for details
Specialized
Dedicated support for enterprise blockchain security needs
Business Tier
Priority service for major clients like Coinbase and Polygon

What APIs and Integrations Does Halborn Support?

API Type
No public APIs; focus on security consulting and SaaS products in development
Authentication
Not applicable for public use; enterprise access via secure client portals
Webhooks
Not available; services emphasize audits and penetration testing
SDKs
None publicly available; custom tools for internal security engineering
Documentation
Service-focused documentation on website; developing SaaS products
Sandbox
Not applicable; testing via penetration testing and infrastructure assessments
SLA
Enterprise-grade SLAs for audits and incident response
Rate Limits
Not applicable
Use Cases
Smart contract vulnerability scanning, blockchain infrastructure testing

What Are Common Questions About Halborn?

Halborn provides blockchain security, smart contract audits, penetration testing, code review, incident response, and infrastructure security. They service all major blockchains and work with enterprise clients in Web3 and Finance.

Halborn works with top players such as Coinbase, Polygon, Solana, and Fortune 500 companies that are implementing blockchain. Halborn protects Layer 1 Blockchains, financial institutions, and Web3 Projects.

Halborn emphasizes full-stack security using 80+ engineers and enterprise focus. Beyond audit services, Halborn provides services including Zero Trust Architecture and MPC Wallets. Halborn was named a leader in blockchain security along with CertiK.

Yes, Halborn performs all-inclusive audits, zero-day assessments, and provides remediation advice. Internally, Halborn uses phishing resistant MFA (YubiKeys) and recommends best practices for their clients.

Pricing is customized and will require reaching out to sales to discuss the custom pricing model based on the client's company size. There are no public pricing models, Halborn is focused on providing high value blockchain security engagements.

There are no free trials available. Services are professional audits of production projects. Halborn offers initial consultations through their website contact form.

Halborn supports multi-chain across major platforms, including Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and permissioned blockchains for enterprise customers.

Halborn has 80+ security engineers and the founder has 25+ years of experience in cybersecurity. The founder self-funded Halborn to 100+ employees prior to raising a $90M Series A.

Is Halborn Worth It?

Halborn is a leading provider of blockchain security solutions to smart contracts, penetration testing, and enterprise-grade protections for Web3 and financial institutions. Halborn excels at delivering high-stakes security services, however, they focus on consulting services versus self-serve tools.

Recommended For

  • Any web3 project or DAO requiring smart contract audits
  • Layer 1 blockchains and any infrastructure providers
  • Any financial institution looking to tokenize an asset
  • Gaming and DeFi platforms requiring high level security measures
  • Any company that is currently considering blockchain/DLT

!
Use With Caution

  • Small projects with budget limitations -- the custom pricing of Halborn may be too high
  • Teams who would prefer to utilize self-serve SaaS tools rather than consulting services -- Halborn primarily delivers consulting services
  • Security teams requiring non-blockchain security needs -- Halborn specializes in Web3 only

Not Recommended For

  • Startups on a budget that are looking for an audit at little or no cost
  • The general cybersecurity of a project, excluding blockchain
  • Automated real time monitoring for your web3 project without setting up the software yourself.
Expert's Conclusion

Halborn is the best fit for large-scale enterprises and major Web3 projects that need the most comprehensive and expert blockchain security audits and consulting from the industry’s top blockchain security provider.

Best For
Any web3 project or DAO requiring smart contract auditsLayer 1 blockchains and any infrastructure providersAny financial institution looking to tokenize an asset

What do expert reviews and research say about Halborn?

Key Findings

Halborn is a top blockchain security provider with 80+ engineers and has worked with such clients as Coinbase, Polygon, Solana and several Fortune 500 companies. Halborn provides such blockchain security services as smart contract audits, penetration testing, and incident response. After self funding its company for five years to a team of over 100 employees, Halborn has raised $90 million in Series A funding to further grow its security team and develop software as a service (SaaS) products. In addition to being named a leader in the CB insights matrix for blockchain security and audits, Halborn has filed four patents related to blockchain security and cybersecurity.

Data Quality

Good - detailed info from CB Insights, company site, case studies, and press. Limited public data on pricing, APIs, support SLAs requiring sales contact.

Risk Factors

!
Halborn's service based business model may be difficult to scale for smaller teams.
!
There are other competitors in this space such as CertiK, Hacken, and Trail of Bits.
!
As the rapid pace of innovation continues in the web3 ecosystem, it will require that the experts in blockchain security continue to update their knowledge and skills to keep up.
!
Halborn does not have a publicly available pricing structure nor do they offer self-service solutions.
Last updated: January 2026

What Additional Information Is Available for Halborn?

Notable Clients

Halborn has been trusted by clients including Coinbase, Polygon, Solana, and many major financial institutions. Halborn has provided services to such clients in the areas of layer one blockchain technology, tokenization platforms, and fortune 500 companies that are adopting the web3 ecosystem.

Funding and Growth

Since its founding in 2019, Halborn has grown to over 100 employees and was self funded until raising $90 million in Series A funding to grow its security team and develop SaaS products.

Awards and Recognition

Halborn has been named a leader in the CB insights blockchain security and audits ESP matrix. In addition to being a leader in this category, Halborn is a certified great place to work and has won awards.

Team Expertise

Globally, Halborn has 80+ security engineers. Halborn’s founders are Rob Behnke, a serial entrepreneur and ethical hacker, Steven Walbroehl, who has over 25 years of experience in hacking.

Company Culture

Halborn is a fully remote organization that prioritizes security using YubiKey MFA. Halborn has been certified as a great place to work.

Patents

Halborn has filed four patents in the area of blockchain security, including tiered certificate authority systems for blockchain smart contracts.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Halborn?

  • •
    CertiK: Halborn leads in blockchain security through the use of automated auditing tools and formal verification. While certik offers similar audit services, they provide more self serve options and are also a leader in the CB Insights Matrix. Halborn is best suited for projects that want to implement continuous monitoring in addition to audits. (certik.com)
  • •
    Hacken: Hacken performs full-service audits for web 3.0 and offers pentests and bug bounty services that are competitive priced. Hacken is a good option to consider if your project has limited budget and is looking for an affordable alternative. (hacken.io)
  • •
    Trail of Bits: Trail of Bits is a security research company that specializes in cryptocurrency and blockchain protocol-based security. Trail of Bits provides custom tooling and vulnerability research and as such, they have a smaller number of clients when compared to other companies. Trail of Bits will be best suited for projects that require research and development or for companies that need to test new features and functionality. (trailofbits.com)
  • •
    OpenZeppelin: The primary function of OpenZeppelin is to provide smart contract libraries, Defender monitoring, and auditing services. Their primary focus is open source based solutions that include continuous security monitoring and protection. OpenZeppelin would be ideal for Ethereum developers who need access to smart contract libraries and Defender monitoring services. (openzeppelin.com)
  • •
    PeckShield: PeckShield specializes in performing smart contract audits and providing on-chain monitoring services for EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) chain platforms. PeckShield is known for their rapid incident response capabilities and ability to send real-time alerts to customers. As such, PeckShield would be a strong fit for DeFi protocols that value speed. (peckshield.com)

What Are Halborn's Audit Track Record?

500+
Assessments Completed
$Billions
Value Protected
100+
Publicised Zero Days
100+
Security Practitioners
200+
Happy Clients
20+
Platforms & Languages

What Supported Blockchains Does Halborn Support?

EthereumSolanaCosmosXRP LedgerAlgorandCasperAvalanche

What Audit Methodology Was Used to Review Halborn?

Manual Code Review

All line-by-line inspections are conducted by experienced blockchain security engineers.

Automated Security Testing

Both static and dynamic analysis are performed utilizing specialized tools.

Custom Script Testing

Custom scripts are written to manually test all possible edge case scenarios.

Architecture Research

A thorough analysis of platform architecture and logic is performed.

Arithmetic Vulnerability Assessment

A complete review of all Solidity variable and function declarations is performed.

Remediation Guidance

Support is provided in an interactive and hands-on manner along with clear audit reports.

How Does Halborn's Audit Services Compare?

ServiceDescriptionFocus Areas
Smart Contract AuditComprehensive security assessment of smart contractsLogic errors, vulnerabilities, best practices
Protocol Security AuditFull protocol and blockchain framework assessmentDeFi protocols, enterprise solutions
Penetration TestingSimulated attacks on Web3 infrastructureRed-teaming, vulnerability scanning
Smart Contract AssessmentTailored assessments for any project sizeStartups to enterprises
Code ReviewDeep external review of proof systems and featuresPre-launch security validation

What Notable Audits Does Halborn Support?

MoonwellSBI-DAH (Project Guardian)RenzoXRP LedgerAvalanche Wallet

What Programming Languages Does Halborn Support?

SolidityRustMoveTEAL (Algorand)Wasm (Casper)

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