Reference → dAPIs → Understanding dAPIs

Security ​

dAPIs are structured to provide first-party data to smart contracts. API3, or any other middleman, cannot interrupt the flow of off-chain data to a smart contract that consumes an API provider's data when using a dAPI.

Airnode ​

An Airnode is the off-chain bridge between an API provider's data and the on-chain beacon values that dAPIs read from. dApp developers need not trust API3 as all Airnodes are owned and operated by an API provider.

Signed data ​

Functionality associated with an API provider's Airnode gets signed data from the API provider's operation and the signature is checked on-chain. Therefore API3, or any other middleman, cannot alter data from API providers.

secrets.env ​

Each API provider has deployed their Airnode using a secrets.env file that API3 cannot access. Therefore the Airnode operates under the complete autonomy of the API provider who's signed data is used to update the data feed values sourced by the Api3ServerV1sol➚ contract.

Open source ​

API3 provides 100% of its code as open source and commissions third-party audits of such. Anyone can read, review, and audit the repositories➚ found in GitHub under the organization for API3. Consider reading through API3 source code to verify claims of security. Questions, jump on Discord.

Decentralized DAO ​

Also consider the decentralized nature of the API3 DAO. Decentralized and autonomous DAOs are not controlled by any central authority, which makes them more resistant to censorship. API3 is a true DAO that operates transparently with regards to all of its management practices.