Despite heated discussions and forecasts, artificial intelligence has not become a catalyst for a large-scale wave of hacks in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at venture firm Dragonfly, has presented fresh data that dispels many of the community's concerns.
The analysis shows that, although the total number of incidents has indeed reached record levels, the nature of the attacks has undergone a radical change. The median damage from hacks in 2026 fell below the $500,000 mark. For comparison, a year earlier, this figure was around $2 million. Thus, attacks have become more frequent but significantly less financially destructive.
Qureshi notes that attackers using AI-based tools have mainly focused on small, little-known, or even abandoned projects. Large, well-capitalized DeFi protocols, on the other hand, have managed to strengthen their defenses in a timely manner. They have implemented advanced monitoring systems, automated threat response tools, and stricter smart contract audit procedures.
Expert commentary: The market, as expected, has adapted to new threats faster than many anticipated. Major DeFi players have effectively developed "immunity" to AI-powered attacks, turning the fight against them into standard security procedures. The primary risk is now shifting toward retail investors and teams managing niche protocols. They should prioritize auditing and monitoring, as hackers armed with AI will continue to hunt for "easy prey."