Contrary to gloomy forecasts, the adoption of artificial intelligence has not led to the expected surge in major attacks on DeFi protocols. As recent data shows, the market has demonstrated unexpected resilience: despite a record number of incidents, the median loss from hacks in 2026 fell below $500,000, compared to about $2 million a year earlier. This suggests that hackers have shifted their focus to less protected targets, while major protocols have managed to effectively strengthen their security.
Shift in Attack Focus: From Giants to "Junk" Projects
Analysis shows that attackers using AI have primarily targeted small, little-known, or even abandoned DeFi projects. Such platforms often have weak security architecture, outdated smart contracts, and minimal liquidity, making them easy prey for automated attacks. Major protocols like Aave, Uniswap, or MakerDAO have conducted extensive audits over the past two years and implemented multi-layered defense systems, including real-time monitoring and emergency stop mechanisms.
This shift is a natural market reaction: when the "big fish" become too difficult to hack, hackers settle for "small fry." However, this trend does not reduce the overall threat but merely changes its landscape. Investors should be especially cautious with new or untested DeFi protocols, as they are currently the ones at risk.
Analyst's Conclusion
The current situation is not a victory over AI threats, but rather a redistribution of risks. The DeFi market has proven its ability to adapt quickly, but it is too early to relax. In the coming years, we will see a rise in hybrid attacks, where AI will be used not for direct hacking, but for social engineering and vulnerability analysis at the design stage. The only way to stay safe is through constant codebase updates and multi-layered verification of smart contracts by independent auditors.