
The Real Reason Behind Most DeFi Hacks
From a16z crypto show by a16z crypto, Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi
May 13, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 116
About this episode
The episode discusses the recent surge in DeFi hacks and the role of AI in exploiting existing vulnerabilities.
Following major DeFi exploits, a16z crypto GP Eddy Lazzarin and security engineer Matt Gleason break down the recent surge in crypto hacks. Their argument: AI isn't creating new vulnerabilities—it's making existing ones easier to exploit. They explore whether defenders can evolve as fast as attackers, the role of geopolitics in cyber activity, and what users can do to stay safe online.
People in this episode
Hosts: Robert Hackett, Sonal Chokshi
Guests: Eddy Lazzarin, Matt Gleason
Topics covered
- DeFi hacks
- crypto security
- AI vulnerabilities
- cyber activity
- user safety
Keywords
- DeFi
- crypto hacks
- AI
- cybersecurity
- geopolitics
- online safety
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: a16z crypto
More episodes of a16z crypto show
- Eddy Deep Dive · June 12, 2026 · 1h 20m
- We Raised $2.2B. Here’s Why. · May 5, 2026 · 1h 1m
- The end of ads? AI agents are about to change how we buy · April 27, 2026 · 57 min
- Why AI is so centralized: How it's built, who controls it, and what comes next · April 22, 2026 · 17 min
- How Bots, Deepfakes and AI Agents Are Forcing a New Internet Identity Layer · April 17, 2026 · 42 min
- How DeFi lending actually works (with Paul Frambot, cofounder and CEO of Morpho Labs) · April 8, 2026 · 18 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the a16z crypto show podcast page.