VECTOR_ANALYSIS // GOVERNANCE
Admin Key / God Mode
NODE: ADMIN-KEY
VERIFICATION: PASSED
01_DEFINITION
Strict Definition
"A set of privileged access credentials that allow developers to modify, pause, or update a smart contract after it has been deployed."
Liability Check // Risk Analysis
The 'Exit Scam' risk. If a protocol has admin keys held by a single person, that person can effectively 'God Mode' the treasury and steal all funds. This makes the protocol 'Centralized' regardless of its tech stack.
Knowledge Context // Related Terms
Auditor NotesVS-AN-2026
Strategy Domain
"Demand that admin keys for any protocol you use are held in a 'Multisig' (at least 3-of-5) with a 'Time-lock' of at least 48 hours."
Operations Standard
"Publicly host your own admin key policies to build trust with your users and investors."
Legal & Compliance
"Admin keys often trigger 'Custodial' legal definitions, making the key holders liable as fiduciaries."
DOCUMENT_ID: CW3-ADMIN-KEY-/-GOD-MODE-2026
SCHEMA_VER: AEO_3.2
LAST_AUDIT: 1/8/2026
HASH: LYRIMD
SCHEMA_VER: AEO_3.2
LAST_AUDIT: 1/8/2026
HASH: LYRIMD