The non-custodial Bitcoin service Boltz has suspended its swap operations indefinitely in response to a rise in automated attacks, which are believed to be utilizing artificial intelligence.
Update: Boltz will remain disabled until further notice. Our API is still available for processing refunds cooperatively. Unilateral refunds will function as they don't rely on our infrastructure. Our support team is still reachable. To clarify: this is not a response to a… https://t.co/kv8zWt4bym — Boltz - Non-Custodial Bitcoin Bridge (@Boltzhq) August 3, 2026
Boltz facilitates atomic swaps, enabling transfers between the main Bitcoin network, Lightning Network, and Liquid Network.
According to the team, they have encountered several attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in recent months. While they managed to contain each incident, attackers have been able to identify new vectors faster than the small Boltz team can patch them.
"After reviewing the results of our own security scans, we cannot responsibly reactivate Boltz Swaps, especially considering that we are being actively attacked, likely by multiple resourceful groups," the developers stated.
Boltz emphasized that users' funds were not at risk, as the service does not hold customer assets; under the non-custodial model, users maintain control over their funds during the exchange process.
The Boltz API will remain operational for processing refunds, and customer support will continue to function. However, the team cautioned that users should not expect a quick resumption of swaps.
"We are observing a significant paradigm shift for Bitcoin services operating on an open stack, and this requires careful analysis," Boltz remarked.
Earlier, Vitalik Buterin identified code review and bug hunting as promising scenarios for AI application within Ethereum.
Notably, in July, analysts from Blockaid estimated that crypto projects lost around $1.1 billion due to hacks in the first half of 2026, with the number of confirmed exploits reaching a record high for six months.