> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.granite.world/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.granite.world/protocol-information/guardians.md).

# Guardians

Guardians are wallets that have the ability to pause the protocol. Guardians monitor protocol state and initiate a pause if they detect potential exploits, allowing the protocol to minimize damage.

Following a pause, the protocol must be unpaused by governance.