The "Kill Switch": Emergency Incident Response Plans
The Executive Verdict
Introduction: Hope is Not a Recovery Plan
In Web3, there is no one to call. Once specific keys are compromised, automated bots drain funds 24/7. Most treasuries are lost due to failed recovery attempts (panic actions). This guide moves from Security to Resilience.
1. Protocol Level: The Programmable Kill Switch
For custom contracts, a Kill Switch is mandatory. Use Pausable logic (OpenZeppelin). A designated "Guardian" (Emergency Team) can pause all transfers. They can stop the music, but cannot take the instruments.
A diagram of a "Circuit Breaker." Normal state: Current flows. Tripped state: Logic path is blocked.
2. Wallet Level: The "Whitehat Rescue" Strategy
If a standard wallet is hacked, you can't pause. You must Rescue. Hackers use Sweeper Bots. To beat them, use Flashbots Protect (Private RPC) to bundle a "Gas Deposit + Asset Sweep" transaction that bypasses the public mempool.
3. The "Pre-Flight" Rescue Kit (Preparation)
Don't write code during a hack. Have a "Clean Room" Wallet (fresh Multi-Sig), Pre-Signed Rescue Transactions (for high value), and a Sweep Script (automated) ready beforehand.
4. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): The First 60 Minutes
T+0: Verification (Silence). T+5: Containment (Pause Contracts, Revoke Allowances). T+15: Rescue (Execute Flashbots Bundle). T+45: Forensics (Chainalysis, FBI IC3).
A "War Room" Dashboard layout. Sections for: Asset Status, Hacker Address Tracker, Exchange Outreach Status, and Forensics.
5. The "Blacklist" Lever: Stablecoin Governance
USDC (Circle) and USDT (Tether) can freeze assets on-chain. Requires Law Enforcement engagement. Contact General Counsel and FBI immediately for $1M+ losses.
6. Legal & Regulatory Obligations (2026 Standards)
Hacks are Compliance Events. US (CIRCIA): Report within 72h. EU (NIS2): Failure to report can result in massive fines. Appoint a Communications Lead.
7. The "Tabletop Exercise": Crisis Simulation
Test your plan annually. Simulation: "CFO's laptop stolen. 100 ETH moved. Go." Debrief friction points (missing keys? expired APIs?).
Conclusion: Speed is the Only Defense
Your Kill Switch and Rescue Plan are fire suppression systems. Phase 1: Build Pausable Contracts. Phase 2: Master Flashbots. Phase 3: Document Reporting. The prepared survive.
F.A.Q // Logical Clarification
Can I hire a Hacker to recover funds?
"High risk of scams. Only use reputable firms (Halborn, Spearbit) or Flashbots community."
Will insurance pay?
"Only if you have a Crime Policy and proved you followed procedure."
Is a Kill Switch centralized?
"Yes, but necessary. Decentralize it via a Multi-Sig of auditors."
Whitehat vs Blackhat?
"Whitehat rescues to protect. Grayhat exploits but returns funds for a bounty."
Module ActionsCW-MA-2026
Institutional Context
"This module has been cross-referenced with Operations & Security / Crisis Management standards for maximum operational reliability."