BNB Chain has set August 25, 2026, at 02:30 UTC to activate a major update named the Pasteur hard fork on the BNB Smart Chain network. This update requires all node operators to install BSC software version v1.7.7 and disable the EnableBAL configuration before the activation day arrives.
This move is not a sudden overhaul. Pasteur has been tested on the testnet since July 21, 2026, bringing three major proposals that simultaneously revamp the network’s security architecture and capacity. Behind the increased capacity figures, this update targets security vulnerabilities often exploited by hackers.
Why Focus on Cross-Chain?
Pasteur’s security system relies on two proposals: BEP-682 and BEP-695. The first proposal targets vulnerabilities in the cross-chain transfer system.
BEP-682 closes a blind spot where a single validator could appear multiple times in the approval list for cross-chain transfers. Before this fix, this vulnerability could be exploited to approve asset transfers even if the required number of valid approvals had not been met.
On the other hand, BEP-695 streamlines the validator security key replacement process. The new rule ensures that the old key immediately loses control rights once the validator switches to a new key. Pending penalties are guaranteed to remain attached to the validator, even if they have changed keys. This update also closes a loophole that allowed blacklisted addresses to interfere in voting through the message signing route.
The focus on cross-chain pathways is well-founded. Data shows that attacks on cross-chain bridges have cost the crypto industry more than $4 billion since 2021. Last July, the Cardano to BNB Chain bridge route via Wanchain was reportedly breached, losing 515 million NIGHT tokens worth $9 million. BNB Chain has not cited Pasteur as a direct response to the Wanchain incident, but this security fix arrives at a time when the industry needs it.
Same Speed, Multiplied Capacity
The third proposal, BEP-675, addresses network performance. This upgrade is achieved by separating the processing stages between the block-producing entity and the validators.
This separation of duties reduces validation time from 125 milliseconds to just 15 milliseconds. BNB Chain is not changing the block generation time; the figure remains at 450 milliseconds.
Testing results on the internal QANet network show concrete performance improvements. Transaction processing capacity increased from 1,237 TPS to 2,324 TPS. Average block capacity utilization also surged from 46.35% to 84.15%.
Major networks often have to choose between high performance and tight security. With the activation date fast approaching, this update ensures validators have clear guidelines to guard the gateway, while transaction space is prepared to handle more load.
Reported by crypto.news.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
