BNB Chain hard fork to improve security & compatibility with EVM chains

cointelegraph.com:

Binance’s proprietary BNB Smart Chain (BSC) is set to undergo two hard forks through August 2023 that are aimed at reducing the possibility of a malicious blockchain reorganization and increasing the compatibility with other EVM blockchain networks.

The Plato and Hertz upgrades are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Aug. 30 respectively, following extensive testing. The Plato upgrade, which has already taken place, introduces BEP-126. The latest evolution proposal implements a fast finality mechanism that is expected to rule out the ability for blocks to be reverted.

Arno Bauer, Senior Solution Architect at BNB Chain, unpacked the specifics of the network upgrades in conversation with Cointelegraph. The fast finality mechanism is expected to reduce the chance of chain reogranization and stabilize block production, while allowing users to access accurate information from the latest finalized block instantly.

Bauer added that finality is a core concept of blockchain technology, referring to the point at which a transaction or block of transactions can no longer be altered or reversed. Finality remains a crucial component in maintaining trust and preventing double-spending in blockchain systems.

BEP-126 introduces fast finality through a series of steps. Validators begin by proposing a block to the network which is propagated to other validators. Validators then sign for the block using their private key, creating a vote message. Voting aggregation then takes place, with validator votes gathered into a pool and aggregated if the direct parent block has enough votes.

Related: Binance Smart Chain and Binance Chain become BNB Chain

Validators must follow specific rules when voting for blocks, an example being not publishing two