● Date and Time: : Friday, August 11, 2026 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
● Location: American Corner Gitega,Gitega, Burundi
● Organized by: Bitdevs Gitega
● Registration link: https://luma.com/ehd4xov3
The 15th Socratic Seminar of BitDevs Gitega focused on an essential aspect of participating in the Bitcoin ecosystem: security. The session provided participants with an opportunity to explore Bitcoin security from different perspectives, including personal security, the security of Bitcoin solutions and infrastructure, and the protection of Bitcoin funds.
The seminar brought together Bitcoin enthusiasts, developers, and technically curious members of the community for an open discussion on the security challenges facing Bitcoin users and developers. The session particularly emphasized the importance of understanding security risks before building, deploying, or using Bitcoin-related solutions.
A major part of the session was led by Advaxe NDAYISENGA, who provided an in-depth discussion on security within the Bitcoin ecosystem. His presentation covered several dimensions of security, including personal security, solution security, and the security of users’ Bitcoin holdings. Advaxe discussed how security should be considered throughout the entire lifecycle of a Bitcoin solution, from its development and architecture to deployment and use. The discussion also highlighted the responsibility of developers to think carefully about how their applications, infrastructure, wallets, and services can expose users and their funds to potential risks.
Particular attention was given to a number of recent cybersecurity incidents affecting Bitcoin-related projects and services. The discussion included examples involving Coldcard, Trezor, C-Lightning, Boltz, BTCPay Server, Pocket Bitcoin, Liquid, GetAlby, BitBox, Revolut, and Swiss Bitcoin Pay, as highlighted during the session. These incidents provided practical examples of how vulnerabilities can emerge at different levels of the Bitcoin ecosystem. Participants discussed how weaknesses in software, hardware, infrastructure, credentials, data protection, or operational practices can create security risks even when the underlying Bitcoin protocol itself is not compromised.
The discussion also reinforced the importance of distinguishing between Bitcoin protocol security and the security of the applications and infrastructure built around Bitcoin. Recent incidents have demonstrated that users can face significant risks through vulnerabilities in the tools and services they rely on. For example, the 2026 Coldcard incident was linked to weaknesses in wallet seed generation, while the BTCPay Server incident involved the exposure of credentials controlling Lightning nodes. Following the presentation, participants actively exchanged views and experiences around Bitcoin security. The discussion allowed community members to ask questions, share concerns, and reflect on how developers and users can improve their security practices.
The seminar also provided an opportunity to prepare the BitDevs Gitega developer community for the upcoming Bitcoin Bootcamp scheduled for September 21–25, 2026. Participants discussed the importance of preparing adequately for the intensive technical program and strengthening their technical and security knowledge before the bootcamp. The upcoming bootcamp will be supported by Human Rights Foundation (HRF), Trezor Academy, and Vexl, providing an important opportunity for BitDevs Gitega developers to deepen their practical knowledge and prepare for more advanced Bitcoin development activities.
The session concluded with an open discussion on security, developer responsibility, and preparation for the upcoming bootcamp. The seminar reinforced BitDevs Gitega’s role as a space where developers can learn from real-world incidents, critically discuss security challenges, and strengthen their ability to build safer Bitcoin solutions.
● Welcome & Community Updates
● Introduction to Bitcoin Security
● Personal Security and Bitcoin
● Security of Bitcoin Solutions and Infrastructure
● Protecting Bitcoin and Private Keys
● Recent Security Incidents in the Bitcoin Ecosystem
● Case Discussions: Coldcard, Trezor, C-Lightning, Boltz, BTCPay Server, Pocket Bitcoin, Liquid, GetAlby, BitBox, Revolut & Swiss Bitcoin Pay
● Community Discussion & Knowledge Sharing
● Preparation for the Upcoming Bitcoin Bootcamp
● Open Discussion, Networking & Next Steps
● Advaxe NDAYISENGA
Advaxe NDAYISENGA
EMERIYO Wilson Azarie
Arsella Gladwish Kaze
Ragouël Ndenzako
Donel BUKUTO
Reine Delicia INGABIRE
RUKUNDO jovial
Abdul-Aziz Usman
Rukundo Geulchome
Bayubahe Elias
Digne Marie Grace Irakoze
EMERIYO Wilson Azarie
Arsella Gladwish Kaze
Ragouël Ndenzako
Dod BUKUTO
Elvis Irambona
BWITONZI Kevin
IRAKOZE Belly
Elvis Irambona
HABIMANA Moïse
NIYUKURI Dominique
Innocent Niyonkuru
Regis Niyonizeye
NIYONKURU Egide
★ Participants gained a broader understanding of Bitcoin security and the different layers that need to be protected when using or developing Bitcoin solutions.
★ The seminar highlighted the importance of considering security from the design and development stage of Bitcoin applications and infrastructure.
★ Participants explored the importance of personal security, particularly when handling sensitive information, credentials, private keys, and Bitcoin-related accounts.
★ The discussion reinforced the importance of protecting Bitcoin holdings through appropriate security practices and avoiding unnecessary exposure of sensitive information.
★ Participants reviewed recent cybersecurity incidents affecting different Bitcoin-related projects and services, including Coldcard, Trezor, C-Lightning, Boltz, BTCPay Server, Pocket Bitcoin, Liquid, GetAlby, BitBox, Revolut, and Swiss Bitcoin Pay.
★ The discussion demonstrated that security risks can emerge at different levels of the ecosystem, including hardware, software, infrastructure, credentials, and operational practices.
★ Participants developed a better understanding of the importance of distinguishing between the security of the Bitcoin protocol and the security of the applications and services built around it.
★ The exchange between participants encouraged greater awareness of developer responsibility when designing and deploying solutions that may handle users’ funds or sensitive information.
★ The seminar helped prepare BitDevs Gitega developers for the upcoming Bitcoin Bootcamp scheduled for September 21–25, 2026.
★ Participants were encouraged to strengthen their technical knowledge and security awareness ahead of the upcoming bootcamp, which will provide an opportunity for deeper practical learning.
★ The seminar continued to strengthen BitDevs Gitega as a community focused on technical learning, open-source development, security awareness, and responsible participation in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Next Steps: ❖ Continue organizing monthly Socratic Seminars focused on relevant Bitcoin technical and security developments. ❖ Integrate more practical cybersecurity discussions into future BitDevs Gitega activities.
❖ Encourage developers to incorporate security considerations throughout the design, development, testing, and deployment of Bitcoin solutions.
❖ Encourage community members to strengthen their personal security practices and protect sensitive information, credentials, private keys, and Bitcoin holdings.
❖ Continue reviewing real-world security incidents affecting Bitcoin infrastructure and applications to strengthen community awareness.
❖ Prepare BitDevs Gitega developers for the upcoming Bitcoin Bootcamp from September 21–25, 2026.
❖ Encourage participants to actively engage with the bootcamp and make the most of the technical learning and networking opportunities it will provide.
❖ Strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing with partners supporting the upcoming bootcamp, including Human Rights Foundation, Trezor Academy, and Vexl.
❖ Continue building a technically skilled, security-conscious, and sustainable Bitcoin open-source developer community in Burundi.
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