FBI Asks DeFi Platforms to Increase Security Measures, Warns Crypto Investors Against Vulnerabilities

The warning comes after a slew of DeFi hacks this year, which has led to investors losing billions of dollars worth of crypto.

AccessTimeIconAug 30, 2022 at 6:17 a.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 5:40 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to beef up security measures and warned investors against the vulnerabilities in those platforms.

The FBI's warning comes as DeFi platforms, which do not use third parties to carry out financial transactions on the blockchain, have suffered several major attacks this year, which includes the massive near $650 million Ronin bridge exploit earlier this year.

  • Three Crypto Predictions in 2024
    02:07
    Three Crypto Predictions in 2024
  • Running With Crypto: 5 Questions With TRM Labs' Ari Redbord
    00:59
    Running With Crypto: 5 Questions With TRM Labs' Ari Redbord
  • Hacks Involving North Korea Are 'Even Greater Problem': Legal Experts
    09:43
    Hacks Involving North Korea Are 'Even Greater Problem': Legal Experts
  • Crypto Hack Volumes Fell by More Than 50% in 2023: TRM Labs
    00:59
    Crypto Hack Volumes Fell by More Than 50% in 2023: TRM Labs
  • Between January and March 2022, cyber criminals stole $1.3 billion in cryptocurrencies, almost 97% of which was stolen from DeFi platforms, the FBI said citing a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis.

    Criminal generally exploit DeFi platforms by initiating a flash loan vulnerability, exploiting signature verification or by manipulating trading pairs, the FBI said. To this effect the agency asked investors to do their due diligence while using DeFi platforms and use platforms that have conducted audits or been around for sometime.

    DeFi platforms should start instituting real-time analysis, monitoring and testing, the bureau said. The platforms should also have a plan for tackling exploits and alerting investors, the bureau added.

    Earlier this year, the FBI had joined with LinkedIn (LNKD) to fight fraudsters using the professional networking platform to lure investors into cryptocurrency schemes.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Parikshit Mishra

    Parikshit Mishra is CoinDesk's Deputy Managing Editor responsible for breaking news coverage. He does not have any crypto holdings.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.


    Read more about