Bitcoin Swap Service Boltz Shuts Down Temporarily Over AI Hacking Surge

Boltz, a non custodial Bitcoin swap platform, has paused its services indefinitely after facing a sharp rise in AI-assisted hacking attempts in recent months. The team said automated probing of its systems increased steadily this year, with attackers finding and exploiting weaknesses faster than its small staff could patch them, even though every previous exploit was contained.

Multiple Groups Targeting the Platform

After reviewing recent security scans, Boltz said it could not safely restart swaps while facing what looked like several resourceful attacker groups at once. The team noted attacks sped up dramatically in just the past few days, and they don’t expect that trend to slow down.

Industry Warns of AI-Powered Threats

Solana Foundation’s security chief, Michael Coates, said the industry has reached a point where human teams alone can’t keep pace, calling for automated, machine-speed defenses. Separately, Bitcoin-based AI service PayPerQ reported fighting off suspected AI-driven exploits every other week for months.

Funds Remain Safe

Boltz confirmed no user funds were ever at risk since all swaps are non custodial. Its refund API and support team stay active, though swaps won’t resume soon. Total value locked currently sits near $180,860.