In the cryptoverse, "cross-chain bridges" — which connect different blockchains — are proving to be the weakest link regarding security. While these bridges facilitate the transfer of digital assets across various networks, the complexity of their coding and inherent security vulnerabilities make them easy targets for hackers. Recently, the Ethereum Layer-2 network Taiko and the privacy-focused Secret Network Bridge fell victim to such exploits.

     A critical human error occurred involving Taiko's bridge: the leakage of the company's signing key allowed hackers to deceive the system by submitting forged documents and siphon off substantial crypto funds, forcing the company to shut down its network. Meanwhile, a major coding flaw — a smart contract bug — in the Secret Network Bridge enabled hackers to exploit an "infinite mint bug", allowing them to create counterfeit tokens without any actual deposits and drain real capital from the liquidity pool.

     These incidents are not isolated. Until cross-chain bridge security and smart contracts are made completely foolproof, the security of decentralised finance (DeFi) will remain at risk. Consequently, I would strongly advise against investing in them.