DATABASE//OPERATIONS-SECURITY//TRANSACTION SIMULATION: THE "PRE-FLIGHT" CHECKLIST
Module Execution // OPERATIONS & SECURITY / TRANSACTION HYGIENE

Transaction Simulation: The "Pre-Flight" Checklist

REF_ID: LSSN_TRANSACT
LAST_AUDIT: January 6, 2026
EST_TIME: 11 Minutes
REFERENCE_NOTE

The Executive Verdict

How to check a crypto transaction before signing? You should never blindly sign a transaction hash. Instead, use Transaction Simulation tools to execute the code in a sandbox environment first. How it works: • Intercept: Tool captures request before blockchain broadcast. • Fork: Creates a temporary local, private fork. • Execute: Runs transaction on the fork. • Report: Returns "Balance Change: -100%" or "Asset In: +0.5 ETH". The Verdict: If the report looks wrong, DO NOT SIGN. Use Fireblocks, Tenderly, or Pocket Universe.
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Introduction: Signing Contracts in a Foreign Language

Blind Signing is negligence. Attackers label buttons "Claim Airdrop" but the code says "Drain Wallet." Simulation translated hex code into English consequences.

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1. The Mechanics: Seeing the Future

A Simulation Engine applies your transaction to a Local Fork. It checks balance, runs logic, calculates gas. Output: Balance Change Statement. If it matches intent, sign. If not, reject.

VISUAL_RECON

A flowchart. User clicks "Send" -> Simulator intercepts -> "Local Blockchain" runs code -> Report generated -> User clicks "Confirm" or "Reject".

Architectural Wireframe // CW-V-001
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2. The Tooling Stack: Enterprise vs. Browser

ID_01Tier 1: Enterprise (Fireblocks). Built-in. Policy: Auto-reject if simulation fails.
ID_02Tier 2: Browser (Pocket Universe). Popups warn "STOP. This will drain your NFTs."
ID_03Tier 3: Developer (Tenderly). Line-by-line code trace for debugging.
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3. The Red Flags: What to Look For

ID_01The Zero Return: Sending USDC but receiving 0 tokens? Phishing.
ID_02Set Approval for All: Marketplace asking for ALL items? Exploit.
ID_03Fake Token Switch: Receiving tokens from strange address? Imposter.
ID_04Eth_Sign Request: Raw red text signature? Blind Signature Exploit.
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4. The "Pre-Flight" Checklist

Stop Reading, Start Building

Theory is dangerous without execution.

The Secure Setup: Ledger + Gnosis Safe Tutorial. Watch the step-by-step video guide in the The Ops & Security Course ($49).

1. Check Origin (URL). 2. Check Destination (Address Whitelist). 3. Run Simulation (Asset Out/In match?). 4. Check Network Fee (Suspiciously high?).

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5. Operational Policy: No Sim, No Sign

Codify RBAC: Maker must attest to simulation and attach screenshot. Approver must verify report. A wallet without simulation is a car without headlights.

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6. Limitations: When Simulation Fails

Time-Bomb Contracts (behave nicely until execution). Slippage (market moves). Permit2 Signatures (hard to visualize). Defense: Use advanced tools and sign immediately.

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7. Case Study: The $20 Million Mistake

VC lost $20M to Address Poisoning. Human eye failed to check characters. Simulator would have warned: "New Address. 0 transactions."

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Conclusion: Trust Code, Not Eyes

Human vision is hackable. Code is not. Transaction Simulation creates a "Safe Failure" environment. Don't click Send. Click Simulate.

F.A.Q // Logical Clarification

Is Simulation free?

"Extensions are free. Enterprise tools include it. Tenderly has free tier."

Can it predict gas fees?

"Very accurately. It runs the actual code."

Does it work for Bitcoin?

"Rarely needed (UTXO is simple). Critical for Smart Contracts (ETH/SOL)."

What is a "Revert"?

"Transaction failed in sandbox. It will fail on-chain. Do not sign."

Official Training Material

Master The Process

You've read the theory. Now master the execution. Get the complete The Ops & Security Course tailored for this exact framework.

OR
INCLUDES: VIDEO TUTORIALS • TEMPLATES • SOP CHECKLISTS

Module ActionsCW-MA-2026

Institutional Context

"This module has been cross-referenced with Operations & Security / Transaction Hygiene standards for maximum operational reliability."

VECTOR: OPERATIONS-SECURITY
STATUS: DEPLOYED
REVISION: 1.0.4