The DeFi market experienced a record number of security incidents in 2026, yet, contrary to grim forecasts, artificial intelligence did not trigger the expected wave of major hacks. This conclusion was reached by Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner of venture firm Dragonfly, after analyzing the dynamics of attacks.
A key metric—the median damage from hacks—has sharply declined. While the average attack cost victims $2 million in 2025, this figure dropped below $500,000 in 2026. This indicates that despite the increase in the number of incidents, attackers were unable to inflict serious damage on major protocols.
According to Qureshi, AI tools are primarily used by hackers to target small, poorly protected, or already abandoned projects. Large DeFi protocols, on the other hand, have managed to significantly bolster their security by implementing advanced monitoring systems and automated defenses, making them less vulnerable to AI-powered automated attacks.
My expert commentary: The decline in median damage is a positive signal for the industry. It confirms that the market is adapting to new threats faster than many expected. However, it is too early to relax: AI continues to evolve, and the next wave of attacks may target precisely those vulnerabilities that remain off the radar of even large protocols. Investors should more carefully assess the security of projects, especially those with low market capitalization.