Introduction
In 2025, zkSync, an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution developed by Matter Labs, launched its much-anticipated $ZK token airdrop. This event marked a significant milestone in the Layer 2 ecosystem, aiming to decentralize governance and reward early adopters. However, the airdrop was not without challenges, including a security breach that raised concerns within the community. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the zkSync airdrop, eligibility criteria, claim process, and the subsequent security incident.
Understanding zkSync and the $ZK Token
zkSync is a Layer 2 protocol leveraging zero-knowledge rollups to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and reduce transaction fees. The $ZK token serves multiple purposes within the zkSync ecosystem, including governance, staking, and covering transaction fees. The airdrop aimed to distribute a portion of the total token supply to early users and contributors, fostering community engagement and decentralization.
Airdrop Details and Eligibility
The zkSync airdrop allocated 17.5% of the total $ZK token supply, amounting to approximately 3.675 billion tokens. Eligibility was determined based on user activity on zkSync Era and zkSync Lite, with a snapshot taken on March 24, 2024. Key eligibility criteria included:
Interacting with at least 10 non-token smart contracts on zkSync Era.
Using paymasters for a minimum of 5 transactions.
Trading at least 10 distinct ERC-20 tokens on zkSync Era decentralized exchanges.
Providing liquidity to DeFi protocols on zkSync Era.
Holding a Libertas Omnibus NFT at the time of the snapshot.
A total of 695,232 wallets met the eligibility criteria and were invited to claim their tokens.
Claim Process
Eligible users could claim their $ZK tokens through the official claim portal at claim.zknation.io. The claim process involved:
Connecting a compatible wallet.
Verifying eligibility by entering the wallet address.
Delegating voting power to participate in governance.
Confirming the transaction to receive the tokens.
The claim window was open from June 17, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
Security Incident: April 2025 Breach
In April 2025, zkSync experienced a security breach involving the airdrop smart contracts. A compromised admin key was used to mint approximately 111 million unclaimed $ZK tokens, valued at around $5 million. The attacker exploited the sweepUnclaimed() function to execute the unauthorized minting.
Importantly, the breach was isolated to the airdrop contracts, and user funds or the main protocol were not affected. The incident led to a temporary 15-20% drop in the $ZK token price, reflecting market concerns over security.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Despite the security incident, zkSync continues to play a pivotal role in Ethereum’s scalability solutions. The airdrop successfully distributed tokens to a broad user base, promoting decentralization and community involvement. Moving forward, zkSync aims to enhance its security measures and expand its ecosystem through continued development and partnerships.
Conclusion
The 2025 zkSync airdrop was a landmark event in the Layer 2 landscape, offering insights into the complexities of token distribution and the importance of robust security protocols. While challenges emerged, the overall initiative underscored the potential of Layer 2 solutions in advancing blockchain scalability and user engagement.
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