All you need to know about CVM Generation Switches at BotBasher

TL;DR

• BotBasher CVM generations =  the life span of the one CVM instance, set up to last every 6 months.
• The main reason for the 6-month duration is FaceTec’s licensing policy for biometric verification.
• Each generation means old biometric data is erased, and users must re-verify their accounts.
• Regular upgrades keep the system secure, efficient, and user-friendly.
• Regular resets ensure only active users remain verified, enhancing privacy and security.
• Discord is currently on Gen 5, and on Telegram they won’t be named.

Ever six months since the launch of BotBasher for Discord, you hear the Humanode team, announcing biometrics servers are being upgraded, asking you to switch to the latest BotBasher and you wonder What on Earth does that mean? Why reset everything every six months? As a project using BotBasher or even if you are a user, it sometimes seems tedious but there’s a reason for it.

In this article, we’ll explain what generations are, why they’re important, and how they work, in a simple way.

What Are Generations?

Think of CVM generations as "seasons" in a video game. We have set the period for each generation around six months (the main reason for setting it to around six months is explained below), and when one ends, we create a new Confidential Virtual Machine (CVM) instance for the next generation. Here’s what happens during a generation switch:

1. Old CVM Wiped: The previous CVM instance along with all its data is completely erased. This ensures no lingering data can compromise your privacy.
2. New CVM Ready: A fresh CVM instance is set up, ready for everyone to prove their uniqueness again.
3. Re-Verification Time: You’ll need to redo the private biometric check (it takes about 15 seconds!) to link your account to your Discord or Telegram account.
4. Switch Accounts If Needed: Made a mistake last time? No problem! During each new generation, you can choose a different account to link to your unique biometric identity.

Why Do We Reset CVM instances Every Six Months?

Every six months, we hit the reset button on our BotBasher servers, technically CVMs. 

These CVM instances are like super-secure containers that keep your biometric data safe while verifying that each account is tied to a unique human. Here are the main reasons we reset these servers:

1. FaceTec License Limitations: The main reason for the six-month reset is that our Biometric provider, FaceTec, provides licenses for biometric verification that last up to six months. These licenses must be renewed with each upgrade, which makes resetting the CVMs essential. If it weren’t for this, we might extend the lifespan of a CVM to a year or more.
2. Upgraded Tech: Our AI and CVM technology get smarter and better at protecting your accounts every few months. To ensure you’re using the most secure, updated, and accurate system, we upgrade everything and start fresh.
3. Privacy First: We completely erase the CVM instance meaning that all the data in it is deleted forever. Once the CVM is wiped clean, the data is gone forever, keeping your privacy intact.
4. Active User Base: Regular resets help us ensure that only active users remain verified. If someone stops using BotBasher, their biometrics won’t stay on our system forever, adding an extra layer of security and privacy for everyone.

Why Does Technology Need Regular Upgrades?

Here’s the thing: technology never stands still. To keep up with the latest threats and advancements, we regularly upgrade our CVMs and related systems. Here’s why:

1. Keeping Ahead of Threats: As bad actors develop new tricks, we need to stay one step ahead. Regular upgrades ensure BotBasher is always ready to handle these challenges.
2. AI and System Enhancements: Every new generation brings smarter AI and improved CVMs, making BotBasher faster, more accurate, and more secure.
3. Better User Experience: With each upgrade, we tweak and improve the system to make verification easier and smoother for you.

By resetting our CVMs and implementing these upgrades with every generation, BotBasher remains a cutting-edge tool to protect your accounts and communities. Think of it as giving the system a regular power-up to keep it at its best!

BotBasher for Discord: Gen 5

Right now, BotBasher for Discord is running on Gen 5. That means it’s the fifth time we’ve hit the reset button, and all the Discord users are proving their uniqueness again. Fun fact: in previous generations, more than 500K users and hundreds of servers joined the fight against Sybil attacks – and we’re just getting started!

BotBasher for Telegram Alpha: Gen 1

Over on Telegram, we’re still in the Alpha testing stage. This means we’re just getting warmed up and testing the waters. In Telegram, there won’t be any generational name like Discord. Instead, people will just be removed from the Sybil-resistant chat and can rejoin after the verification.