Contrary to gloomy forecasts, artificial intelligence has not triggered the expected wave of attacks on DeFi protocols. As my observations show, the actual picture has turned out to be more restrained. Dragonfly managing partner Haseeb Qureshi recently noted that, despite a record number of incidents, the median damage from attacks in 2026 has dropped to below $500,000, whereas a year earlier this figure was around $2 million.
Key Takeaways
This trend indicates that attackers using AI have focused on less protected targets — small or abandoned projects. Large DeFi protocols, on the other hand, have managed to significantly strengthen their security, which has prevented large-scale losses. This confirms the thesis that the DeFi market is gradually adapting to new threats rather than succumbing to panic.
Expert Opinion
From my perspective, the decline in median damage amid a rise in the number of attacks is a positive signal. It suggests that the industry is learning to defend against AI threats, and hackers are forced to settle for less valuable targets. However, it is too early to relax: once AI becomes more accessible for mass use, we may see a new wave targeting vulnerabilities in abandoned projects. For now, the market is demonstrating resilience, and this is an encouraging trend for long-term investors.