Welcome back to Blockstream Talk #30 - Today, we're in conversation with Ken Sedgwick from VLS, the Validating Lightning Signer project. An open-source initiative focused on enhancing lightning node security through fully validated remote signing.

The project aims to safeguard node funds by separating private keys via remote signers. Ken elaborates on the challenges of running a Lightning node compared to a Bitcoin hot wallet and discusses potential applications of VLS software in signing devices.

While Lightning Network Security might not be top of mind for most users, its importance grows with the network's expansion. As adoption increases, including more retailers, users, and larger nodes, Ken adeptly communicates these intricate concepts.

Enjoy the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Follow the VLSProject on X.com:
  / vlsproject  
Explore the VLS project:
https://vls.tech/
Follow Ken:
  / ksedgwic  
Learn more about Greenlight:
https://blockstream.com/lightning/gre...
Follow Blockstream:
  / blockstream  
Follow podcast host Jesse Knutson:
  / knutsonjesse  

02:13 What’s difficult about running a Lightning node?
06:56 Motivation for developing VLS
08:52 VLS basic security model
10:35 VLS hardware signing devices
11:29 VLS release status
13:58 VLS disaster recovery charter
17:28 VLS integration with Greenlight
18:47 UTXO set oracles
22:17 VLS validation rules
24:15 What’s next for VLS
25:31 Using multisignature with VLS
28:37 How to contribute to the VLS open-source project