Hackers exploited a cross-chain bridge used by Kelp DAO and built using LayerZero on Saturday, draining 116,500 rsETH or about $292 million in the largest DeFi hack of 2026 to date. Kelp DAO's rsETH bridge was exploited for $292M via LayerZero. Stolen funds hit Aave as DeFi losses cross $600M across 10+ protocols in two weeks.

Understanding the Context

Kelp DAO lost $292M in a bridge exploit targeting its LayerZero integration, forcing Aave, SparkLend, and others to freeze rsETH markets in 2026's largest hack. Crypto Briefing: Kelp DAO hit by $292M bridge hack draining rsETH reserves, Aave freezes affected markets Kelp DAO bridge hack results in $292M loss from rsETH reserves, marking 2026's largest DeFi exploit and impacting cross-chain protocols. Kelp DAO hit by $292M bridge hack draining rsETH reserves, Aave freezes affected markets The Kelp DAO hack drained $292M, triggered $9B in Aave outflows, and wiped $13B from DeFi TVL. Here's what cross-chain contagion means for institutions.

Key Insights

Kelp DAO's rsETH token may have been exploited, risking over $100 million. Ethereum reaching $4,000 in April now at 85% NO. FinanceFeeds: Kelp DAO Exploit Drains $292M in rsETH as Cross-Chain Bridge Targeted An attacker drained 116,500 rsETH from Kelp DAO’s LayerZero-powered cross-chain bridge on Saturday, with the stolen funds valued at approximately $292 ... Yahoo Finance: Kelp DAO Bridge Exploit Drains $292 Million in rsETH and Triggers Aave Freeze Kelp DAO was hit by a major exploit on Friday that drained roughly 116,500 rsETH, worth about $292 million, in ... Kelp DAO Bridge Exploit Drains $292 Million in rsETH and Triggers Aave Freeze Crypto Briefing: LayerZero says North Korean Lazarus Group behind $292M Kelp DAO attack LayerZero links $292M KelpDAO exploit to N.

Final Thoughts

Korea's Lazarus Group; $2B in crypto thefts highlight new DeFi infrastructure breach. Decrypt: LayerZero Pins $292M KelpDAO Bridge Hack on North Korea’s Lazarus Group Blockonomi: Kelp DAO rsETH Bridge Hack Drains $292M as DeFi Losses Top $600M in Two Weeks