The text discusses the importance and complexity of cross-chain bridges, which facilitate the transfer of digital assets between different blockchain networks by using wrapped tokens. These bridges face significant security challenges due to their inherent trust assumptions and the technical intricacies involved in protecting them. Key risks include the unauthorized removal of collateral from the source blockchain and the minting of wrapped tokens without sufficient backing on the target blockchain, which can lead to substantial financial losses and systemic risks across decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems. The text highlights the role of Chainlink's Proof of Reserve (PoR) in enhancing the transparency and security of these processes by providing reliable, decentralized data on the actual collateral backing wrapped tokens, which can help mitigate these risks. PoR's automated data delivery allows for the implementation of protective measures in DeFi applications, enabling better risk management and decision-making for users. This solution aims to strengthen the resilience of the broader ecosystem by preventing and responding to potential bridge attacks and vulnerabilities.