As DeFi TVL surges past $210 billion, governance attacks and protocol exploits are rising. Here's what investors need to know to protect their capital.
Marcus Webb
DeFi Research Lead
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DeFi protocols have locked over $210 billion in total value as of January 2026, a 60% increase from the previous year. While this growth signals mainstream adoption, it also creates an expanding attack surface for governance exploits. The combination of rising TVL, distracted retail investors, and complex DAO structures creates a perfect storm for sophisticated attacks.
Bull markets bring a dangerous contradiction to DeFi governance. As token prices rise, the dollar value controlled by governance systems increases dramatically. Yet voter participation typically decreases as retail investors focus on trading rather than proposal review.
