Recent data shows that attackers stole over $168 million from 34 DeFi protocols in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting ongoing risks in the ecosystem. Although this figure is lower than the $1.58 billion lost during the same period in 2025, security threats remain a major concern.

High-profile incidents, including a $280 million exploit targeting Drift Protocol, demonstrate how attackers are evolving—often using social engineering and even automated tools to maximize damage. These trends underscore why initiatives like STRIDE and coordinated response networks are becoming essential to protect users and maintain trust in decentralized finance.