In a post on X, Yakovenko argued that the widespread belief that L2 networks automatically inherit the security of the Ethereum mainnet is “false.”
“The promises of Layer-2s don’t match the reality of Layer-2s,” Yakovenko wrote. “The complexity and attack surface of the code required for a full-fledged L2 solution are so large that it’s impossible to guarantee complete reliability, performance, and functionality.”
According to Yakovenko, many L2 networks merely create an illusion of security comparable to Ethereum’s mainnet but, in reality, exhibit notable vulnerabilities. Almost all of these solutions include an Upgrade-Multisig mechanism, which, in his view, “effectively nullifies all security guarantees.”
The Layer-2 ecosystem surrounding Ethereum has expanded rapidly. According to L2Beat, there are now 129 Layer-2 networks in existence.
Some industry participants consider this surge excessive, arguing that there are far more projects than necessary. Others, however, view the expansion positively, believing that the growing number of scaling solutions could strengthen Ethereum’s ecosystem and foster greater technological diversity in the long run.