The DeFi and crypto infrastructure security market analysis for the first half of 2026 shows an encouraging trend. According to data collected by Immunefi, total losses of crypto projects from hacks amounted to approximately $972 million, resulting from 207 recorded incidents. Despite a record number of attacks, the total volume of losses has significantly decreased compared to 2025 figures.
The key takeaway is that the average damage per hack continues to decline. This indicates a qualitative improvement in protective mechanisms within the ecosystem. Progress is especially noticeable in the DeFi sector: losses here have dropped by 74% from the historical peak of 2022, decreasing from $2.62 billion to $680.3 million. This sharp decline is explained by a combination of factors: active implementation of bug bounty programs, regular security audits, and an increase in the number of qualified cybersecurity professionals.
At the same time, the nature of threats has undergone significant changes. The main risks have shifted from classic smart contract vulnerabilities to more complex infrastructure failures. Today, the primary attack vectors are private key compromise, errors in cross-chain bridge configurations, and imperfections in the overall project infrastructure. This requires teams not only technical expertise but also a systematic approach to risk management.
My view as an analyst: The reduction in losses is certainly a positive signal, but it should not be a cause for complacency. The shift of hackers towards attacks on infrastructure and private keys means that standard smart contract protection methods are no longer a panacea. The industry must urgently adapt by implementing multi-factor key management schemes and strict security protocols at the operating system level.