Truebit Protocol Suffers $26.5M Security Breach in Major DeFi Hack
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 09 2026- Security Breach Incident: Truebit Protocol experienced a security breach resulting in the theft of over 8,500 ETH, valued at approximately $26.5 million, which directly impacted its native token TRU, causing it to plummet nearly 100% within hours, rendering it worthless on most exchanges.
- Smart Contract Vulnerability: The hacker exploited a flaw in the smart contract's pricing logic to mint TRU tokens at no cost and drained ETH reserves through a rapid buy-sell cycle, highlighting significant security deficiencies in the DeFi platform that could lead to decreased user trust.
- Hacker Identity Link: PeckShield confirmed that the attacker is the same individual responsible for the Sparkle attack two weeks prior, who similarly exploited a smart contract flaw to mint tokens, indicating a persistent threat from this hacker in the DeFi space that may raise broader security concerns.
- Industry Security Trends: According to TRM Labs, crypto-related hacks reached a record high of $2.72 billion in 2025, and although losses dropped by over 60% in December compared to November, this incident underscores the ongoing security risks in the DeFi sector, potentially prompting the industry to enhance security measures.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
