Boltz Bridge Shuts Down Due to AI-Powered Attacks

Boltz, a non-custodial bridge that routes swaps between Bitcoin's mainchain, the Lightning Network, and Liquid, has indefinitely disabled its service due to an onslaught of AI-assisted attacks on its infrastructure. The team behind Boltz reported that it had been experiencing automated probing and exploits for months, but the frequency and sophistication of these attacks have made it difficult for them to keep up.

In a statement, the Boltz team explained that they had seen a 'steady rise in automated, AI-assisted probing' and had dealt with several exploits over the past few months. They noted that each exploit was contained, but the attackers are iterating faster than the team can find and patch vulnerabilities.

The shutdown affects swap rails behind Lightning and Liquid payments in wallets such as Bull Bitcoin and Aqua. The team emphasized that no user funds were ever at risk due to Boltz's non-custodial design, which leaves users in control of their coins throughout a swap.