> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://duck-initiative.gitbook.io/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://duck-initiative.gitbook.io/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks.md).

# Risks

The six core risk categories specific to node operations define overarching dimensions that Node Operators should consider in their overall setup.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Slashing</strong></td><td>Performing slashable actions leading to penalties.</td><td></td><td><a href="/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks/slashing-sls.md">Slashing (SLS)</a></td><td><a href="https://3935398949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxTRnDyIanlwU7cCKcAju%2Fuploads%2FKYw2cmcryhz71nWhaoi3%2FDALL%C2%B7E%202024-01-04%2012.20.23%20-%20A%20digital%20artwork%20visualizing%20the%20concept%20of%20slashing%20in%20Ethereum.%20The%20image%20features%20a%20stylized%20Ethereum%20logo%2C%20fractured%20or%20slashed%2C%20to%20represent%20the.png?alt=media&amp;token=11e34b73-9a71-49df-b8ef-142d9cd172d8">DALL·E 2024-01-04 12.20.23 - A digital artwork visualizing the concept of slashing in Ethereum. The image features a stylized Ethereum logo, fractured or slashed, to represent the.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Downtime</strong></td><td>Connectivity issues leading to reduced rewards.</td><td></td><td><a href="/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks/downtime-dow.md">Downtime (DOW)</a></td><td><a href="https://3935398949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxTRnDyIanlwU7cCKcAju%2Fuploads%2FTX6pxK2aNteHqRbp10Y7%2FDALL%C2%B7E%202024-01-04%2012.21.33%20-%20A%20digital%20artwork%20that%20captures%20the%20concept%20of%20downtime%20risk%20in%20a%20technological%20context.%20The%20image%20features%20a%20large%2C%20central%20clock%20with%20its%20hands%20froz.png?alt=media&amp;token=a7ef7143-0770-4ffc-8176-84603504ca09">DALL·E 2024-01-04 12.21.33 - A digital artwork that captures the concept of downtime risk in a technological context. The image features a large, central clock with its hands froz.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Key Compromises</strong></td><td>Losing access to critical system components.</td><td></td><td><a href="/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks/key-compromises-kec.md">Key Compromises (KEC)</a></td><td><a href="https://3935398949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxTRnDyIanlwU7cCKcAju%2Fuploads%2FxEgVN3IyozKGocejhgxG%2FDALL%C2%B7E%202024-01-04%2012.22.34%20-%20A%20digital%20artwork%20depicting%20the%20risk%20of%20infrastructure%20access%20compromises.%20The%20image%20shows%20a%20large%2C%20intricate%20network%20of%20pipes%20and%20wires%2C%20symbolizing%20.png?alt=media&amp;token=f3402529-5595-4152-8b53-6ad749675b27">DALL·E 2024-01-04 12.22.34 - A digital artwork depicting the risk of infrastructure access compromises. The image shows a large, intricate network of pipes and wires, symbolizing .png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>General Infrastructure</strong></td><td>Risks related to operational errors and inefficiencies.</td><td></td><td><a href="/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks/general-infrastructure-gir.md">General Infrastructure (GIR)</a></td><td><a href="https://3935398949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxTRnDyIanlwU7cCKcAju%2Fuploads%2FLwON7SatwgHnIIcYkdeq%2FDALL%C2%B7E%202024-01-04%2012.23.25%20-%20A%20digital%20artwork%20depicting%20the%20risk%20of%20operational%20compromises%20in%20infrastructure.%20The%20image%20illustrates%20a%20complex%20system%20of%20machinery%20and%20control%20pan.png?alt=media&amp;token=51a13dd3-3513-434e-8498-052e666da8d8">DALL·E 2024-01-04 12.23.25 - A digital artwork depicting the risk of operational compromises in infrastructure. The image illustrates a complex system of machinery and control pan.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Service Partner Specifics</strong></td><td>Risk related to running specific services.</td><td></td><td><a href="/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks/service-partner-specifics-sps.md">Service Partner Specifics (SPS)</a></td><td><a href="https://3935398949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxTRnDyIanlwU7cCKcAju%2Fuploads%2FKH22ySjuYrKQiCr9Kxpc%2FDALL%C2%B7E%202024-01-04%2012.24.44%20-%20A%20digital%20artwork%20representing%20the%20risks%20associated%20with%20blockchain%20protocol%20partners.%20The%20image%20portrays%20a%20network%20of%20interconnected%20blockchain%20nodes.png?alt=media&amp;token=3606428e-1ad2-41dc-9055-5b7958907390">DALL·E 2024-01-04 12.24.44 - A digital artwork representing the risks associated with blockchain protocol partners. The image portrays a network of interconnected blockchain nodes.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Reputation</strong></td><td>Risks related to loss of reputation</td><td></td><td><a href="/d.u.c.k.-knowledge-base/risk-framework/risks/reputation-rer.md">Reputation (RER)</a></td><td><a href="https://3935398949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxTRnDyIanlwU7cCKcAju%2Fuploads%2Fv8P0BPKXRI94NHNxujuL%2FDALL%C2%B7E%202024-01-23%2011.45.29%20-%20A%20digital%20artwork%20visualizing%20the%20reputational%20risks%20of%20Ethereum%20node%20operators%20in%20a%2021_9%20ratio.%20The%20image%20portrays%20a%20fragmented%20Ethereum%20logo%2C%20symbol.png?alt=media&amp;token=82407a46-8cf9-4100-b755-c329aa2591ca">DALL·E 2024-01-23 11.45.29 - A digital artwork visualizing the reputational risks of Ethereum node operators in a 21_9 ratio. The image portrays a fragmented Ethereum logo, symbol.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Legal and compliance risks are not covered here as they depend on individual regulatory standards and decisions.
{% endhint %}