LayerZero loses $2B in protocol TVL after exploit fallout – What next?

LayerZero woes have persisted since the April exploit that left the DeFi sector shaken. An attacker exploited the LayerZero cross-chain bridge used by Kelp, draining $293 million from Kelp and leaving DeFi with over $300 million gap.

The consequences of these events have hit LayerZero the hardest, with major protocols leaving it entirely.

$2 billion in protocol TVL leaves LayerZero for Chainlink CCIP

LayerZero faced major criticism over the recent hacking incident that mostly hit KelpDAO and AAVE.

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In fact, KelpDAO blamed LayerZero’s security failure for the exploit, as AMBCrypto reported. With security concerns now elevated, protocols have sought safer alternatives and found refuge with Chainlink CCP.

Analyst Tom Wan observed that although LayerZero apologized, protocols with $2 billion in combined Total Value Locked left LayerZero.

Exits from LayerZero began with KelpDAO, which commands a total Value locked of $1.5 billion. Other protocols, including SolvProtocol with $600 million TVL, and re $200 million, all followed suit.

The exodus was essentially exacerbated by the team’s admitting that their internal RPC node was compromised by the Lazarus group. Even more so, LayerZero admitted that a 1/1 DVN misconfiguration left the protocol with a single point of failure.

These protocols have all migrated to Chainlink CCIP, which market players have perceived as a safer alternative. The decision to migrate shows growing concerns over cross-chain infrastructure reliability.

Source: DeFilLama

With the growing exits and security concerns, the Bridge Volume dropped to a historical low of $91 million.

Still gets significant support

Despite the growing wave of migration out of LayerZero, major market players remain and trust the protocol.

According to Tom Wan, those still using LayerZero’s OFT include USDe by Ethena, weETH, USDTO, thBILL, and WBTC.

In fact, Zerolore, co-founder of USDT0, praised LayerZero, calling it the gold standard for cross-chain interoperability.

These asset and their providers commands a significant share of cross-chain activity now tied to LayerZero. Their retention is a major boost for the protocol’s stability for now.

However, their presence does little to repair the damage caused by the recent exploit, and any incident could prompt further exits.

Chainlink CCIP gets a major boost

LayerZero’s troubles have turned into a blessing and a major boost to Chainlink CCIP. Amid this growing crisis, it presents itself as the better alternative.

At the same time, the increased migration has further boosted its credibility. As a result, the total value of cross-chain tokens has exceeded $61 billion, with CCIP volume hitting $19.4 billion.

Source: Chainlink Ecosystem

The growth shows rising confidence with CCIP across the market. The sustainability of the momentum depends on what happens next with LayerZero.

Final Summary

• _Protocols _with $2 billion in combined Total Value Locked, including Kelp, Solvprotocol, and Re,  left LayerZero following a recent security incident.
• _USDe by Ethena, weETH, USDTO, thBILL, and WBTC are still using LayeZero OFT with USDO Co-founder showing strong support. _