After not only have experienced thesestages on myself but also on my co-auditors and trainees, I have created a nicewriteup on how an auditor progresses usually:
Complete Beginner: This stage is whereeveryone starts, with or without a computer science background. For those newto programming, grasping Solidity's syntax requires more effort. At this point,identifying genuine bugs in smart contracts is not yet within reach, as thefocus is primarily on learning the language and basic concepts.
Post-Beginner: Having mastered Solidity'ssyntax, auditors begin to comprehend the flow of smart contracts. Thisunderstanding enables them to spot some straightforward logical errors orrecognize recurring patterns that may indicate vulnerabilities. It's a phase ofearly exploration and learning to connect theoretical knowledge with practicalinsights.
Intermediate: By this stage, auditors cancomfortably navigate through most smart contracts, identifying vulnerabilitiesthat are more obvious or "low-hanging fruit." While they can uncoversignificant issues, comprehending the intricacies of complex protocols mightstill present challenges. This level marks a transition from recognizing simpleerrors to developing a more nuanced understanding of smart contractvulnerabilities.
Senior: Senior auditors are adept atanalyzing all types of protocols, including those that are highly complex andmodular. Their experience allows them to creatively exploit codebases,identifying logical bugs and vulnerabilities that might elude less experiencedauditors. At this level, auditors possess a deep understanding of Solidity andblockchain technology, enabling them to provide comprehensive securityassessments.
Star: Star auditors combine the skills of asenior auditor with extraordinary creativity in exploiting smart contracts.Their extensive experience and innovative approach allow them to uncover nearlyall potential issues within a codebase, including the most sophisticated andcreative exploit scenarios. This level of expertise is achieved throughdedication and an innate ability to think outside the box.
