2026-01-17 07:29:38

Recently, security research firm Group-IB discovered a tricky issue. DeadLock ransomware is exploiting Polygon's smart contracts to rotate server addresses, rendering traditional detection methods ineffective.

It may sound a bit abstract, but here's the key point: decentralized infrastructure should be more secure, yet it is being used as a cover by attackers. The control of the Polygon network is distributed across various nodes, and the team cannot simply "turn off" the affected nodes. This is why this new trend of abuse is particularly dangerous.

In fact, similar tactics have appeared before. UNC5342 has previously used blockchain to store malicious payloads, indicating that hackers' methods are continuously evolving. From storage to address rotation, attack strategies are becoming more complex, making defense exponentially harder.

What’s even more concerning is that Group-IB explicitly states this is not an isolated incident. In the future, we are likely to see more attacks targeting smart contracts on other blockchains. The current targeting of Polygon may just be the beginning. Security vulnerabilities in smart contracts could be becoming a common threat in the blockchain ecosystem, requiring the entire industry to rethink its defense strategies.

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NervousFingers

· 6h ago

I never thought that decentralization would become a tool for hackers. The logic is quite ironic. It's one thing for Polygon to be exploited, but now they have to be used as a cover. Smart contract security really needs to be taken seriously. DeadLock's address rotation strategy is effective; traditional defenses are indeed useless. We need to think of new methods. Since UNC5342, hackers have been upgrading their tactics. Can our defenses keep up? We haven't enjoyed the benefits of decentralization; instead, we've suffered attacks first. This feels a bit frustrating. The entire blockchain community needs to be cautious. It's not just about Polygon; other chains will also be targeted sooner or later.

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LightningSentry

· 6h ago

Decentralization has become a hacker's paradise? That's a brilliant logic, it feels more and more complicated.

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PriceOracleFairy

· 6h ago

ngl this is the oracle manipulation playbook but make it ransomware... deadlock just found the ultimate arbitrage opportunity between decentralization and defensibility lmao. polygon nodes go brrr, attackers go invisible. classic market inefficiency turned existential threat tbh

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ColdWalletAnxiety

· 6h ago

Oh my God, that's why I keep saying not to put all your eggs in one basket. Hackers are now learning to play on-chain games, and Polygon is being used as a tool—who can stand this? Smart contract security really needs to start from the basics; otherwise, trusting Web3 will become increasingly difficult.

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degenonymous

· 7h ago

Wow, decentralization has become a hacker's playground? This is truly ironic. Now Polygon has really become a target. Who's next? Smart contracts are as fragile as paper, with new vulnerabilities every day, and we still have to keep playing. Wow, on-chain defense is becoming increasingly ridiculous; hackers are always one step ahead. It feels like the entire ecosystem is optimizing solutions for hackers. Isn't that a joke? Blockchain was originally meant to be decentralized, but now, attacks have also become decentralized.

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