> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stakingrewards.com/defi-ratings/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stakingrewards.com/defi-ratings/rating-methodology/data-sources-and-storage.md).

# Data Sources and Storage

Our assessments combine **on-chain, off-chain, and risk analysis data**.

### Data Sources

* **On-chain data**
  * Contract events, calls, balances, transfers
  * Historical behaviour (e.g., exploits, depegs, slashing events)
* **Off-chain disclosures**
  * Audit reports and security reviews
  * Whitepapers, docs, governance forums, legal disclosures
* **Proprietary heuristics**
  * Signals, derived from on-chain events and enriched with off-chain classification and machine learning models
* **Direct protocol information**
  * Where data is not publicly available, we may request additional information from protocol teams, if necessary under **NDA**
  * For compliance, we run **KYB and sanctions checks** via an external provider where relevant

### Storage and Documentation

* Each **rating question** is answered by the analyst and documented with sources, proof, and reasoning in an internal, secure data storage.
* Where possible, **sources and proofs are cited** in the risk reports and fact sheets so that users can trace back the rationale.