Tracking DeFi Exploits
The software that records DeFi hacks, what each source is good for, and how to follow an incident.
By AyeWatch Team3 min read
Short answer: To track DeFi exploits, use Rekt and DefiLlama's hack dashboard for the record, BlockSec and PeckShield for incident analysis, and Forta or Tenderly for on-chain detection. A page or topic monitor is the news layer that catches the protocol's disclosure and the coverage around it.
AyeWatch is an AI monitor for public pages and topics. It watches protocol blogs, security pages, and DeFi news topics and sends a summary when a new incident appears.
The record
Rekt publishes incident write-ups with loss estimates. DefiLlama's hack dashboard tracks losses over time. These are the sources you cite after the fact, not the ones that warn you first.
They are useful for pattern analysis: which contract types get hit, and how.
The analysis
BlockSec, PeckShield, and CertiK publish technical threads and alerts. They explain the exploit path and whether funds are recoverable. Follow the ones that cover your chains.
Treat their first estimate as provisional.
The detection
Forta runs detection bots on-chain. Tenderly simulates transactions. These are the closest thing to an early warning, but they require setup and produce false positives.
They are for teams running a protocol, not for a casual holder.
The news layer
A monitor on the protocol blog, the security page, and a DeFi news topic catches the disclosure and the coverage. It is slower than on-chain detection but easier to run and better at context.
AyeWatch Pro is $9/mo with 50 topics and hourly checks; Pro+ is $19/mo with 200 topics and ASAP mode.
What to do with the alert
Check whether your funds are in the affected contract. Revoke approvals if needed. Do not move funds to a "recovery" address from a DM. Wait for the protocol's official statement.
The DeFi exploit alerts guide covers the response.
| Tool | Job | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rekt | Incident record | Research |
| DefiLlama Hacks | Loss data | Patterns |
| BlockSec | Analysis | Technical detail |
| Forta | On-chain detection | Protocol teams |
| AyeWatch | News and disclosure | Holders |
Start a monitor in under a minute
Describe a topic or paste a URL. Cancel before the trial ends and you pay nothing.
Try it free for 7 daysThe bottom line
Use the record for research, the analysis for detail, and a monitor for the disclosure. Do not rely on a single source during an incident.
FAQ
What software tracks DeFi exploits?
Rekt and DefiLlama for the record, BlockSec and PeckShield for analysis, Forta for on-chain detection, and a monitor for news.
Can I get an alert before an exploit happens?
Sometimes, with on-chain detection. Most holders learn after the fact.
Are loss estimates reliable?
Treat the first estimate as provisional. It often changes as the incident is analyzed.
How much does a news monitor cost?
AyeWatch starts at $9/mo after a 7-day trial.