AI and blockchain security
Introduction: Why It Matters
The blockchain industry, while promising security and transparency, is increasingly facing new threats. Despite robust decentralized technologies, smart contracts remain vulnerable, as confirmed by a recent case. The use of AI through the SCONE-bench project has identified smart contract exploits capable of leading to losses totaling $550.1 million. Furthermore, two completely new attack scenarios were discovered.
This alarming data highlights that artificial intelligence not only strengthens blockchain defense but is also becoming an essential tool for preventing massive cyber risks. Let’s explore how AI is changing approaches to blockchain security and why the SCONE-bench project demonstrates the future of the industry.
Situation Breakdown: How SCONE-bench Detects Threats
The SCONE-bench project, created by Anthropic, has become a next-generation tool for analyzing smart contract vulnerabilities. In a recent study, the AI tested 405 contracts on the Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain platforms. The results were shocking: the detected exploits were valued at $550.1 million.
All tests were conducted in a simulator to avoid real losses, but they found two new exploits previously unknown even to leading analysts. SCONE-bench analyzes not only contract code but also evaluates the economic consequences of a vulnerability, making this benchmark unique and incredibly promising for the industry.
This raises a pressing question: are developers ready to adapt to new threats if their systems can be compromised even by repeatedly verified models?
Risks for the User: What You Need to Know
Smart contract vulnerability affects everyone:
- Owners of Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain wallets may suffer due to leaks.
- DApps using flawed smart contracts carry a serious risk.
- Any user could be funding a project that already has an exploit.
The risk associated with “dirty crypto” is particularly acute: when interacting with a wallet that has sanction tags, your account may be blocked, or you could be mistakenly included in a sanctions list.
How to Protect Yourself: Practical Tips
To protect your assets in the face of new risks, the following measures should be implemented:
- Verify addresses before transferring. Use AML screening tools to avoid transferring funds to suspicious or sanctioned accounts.
- Use only audited protocols. Ensure the project has undergone audits and public reviews.
- Strengthen KYC. Choosing platforms with strict KYC excludes interaction with unreliable counterparties.
- Integrate multi-factor authentication. Ensure that access to your wallets is protected by more than just a password.
- Choose projects that utilize SCONE-bench. Modern AI-based solutions provide a higher level of protection.
- Educate yourself. Understanding blockchain technologies and risks is your first line of defense.
AML Screening: An Additional Layer of Protection
AML screening is becoming a mandatory step for all blockchain users. It provides:
- Source of funds verification. This reduces the likelihood of being involved in money laundering schemes.
- Identification of suspicious addresses. You avoid transferring dirty crypto in advance.
- Transaction transparency. You protect yourself from potential legal consequences.
Given the efforts of Anthropic and SCONE-bench, the integration of AML and AI mechanisms is becoming the standard for blockchain security.
Conclusion: Where We Are Headed
Exploits like those discovered by SCONE-bench serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry. This case shows that AI is becoming indispensable for blockchain forensics and cyber threat prevention.
For users, this means responsibility: from choosing reliable platforms to taking a more thorough approach to KYC and AML. For developers, it means the necessity of revising standards to eliminate vulnerabilities.
The future of blockchain lies in the convergence of AI and robust security technologies. The ability to stay one step ahead of attackers is the key to successful operation in the world of digital assets.
Read more:
How AI helps blockchain