Kava is based on Cosmos and ensures network integrity through a Tendermint-based proof-of-stake (POS) consensus mechanism.
For transaction confirmation, a network of validator nodes is used. To take on the task of validating transactions, these validator nodes must put up collateral. Validators' stakes will be reduced if they misbehave or fail to fulfill strict minimum standards, motivating them to stay honest and efficient.
Multiple independent blockchain and crypto security organizations, including CertiK, B-Harvest, and Quantstamp, have audited Kava's smart contracts. There have been no vulnerabilities discovered thus far. So, Kava seems real and safe enough to invest in.