Cross-chain bridges connect isolated blockchains, letting you move assets like Bitcoin to Ethereum for DeFi. But with $2.1 billion stolen in 2022, security is critical. Learn how they work, which ones are safest, and what’s next.
Cross-Chain Bridge: How Crypto Moves Between Blockchains
When you send ETH from Ethereum to Solana to trade a token, you’re using a cross-chain bridge, a system that connects separate blockchains so tokens and data can move between them. Also known as blockchain interoperability solution, it’s what makes DeFi feel like one big network instead of dozens of isolated islands. Without it, your Bitcoin would be stuck on Bitcoin, your ETH on Ethereum, and you’d need separate wallets, exchanges, and strategies for every chain.
Most cross-chain bridges work by locking your crypto on one chain and minting a wrapped version on another. For example, you lock 1 ETH on Ethereum, and the bridge creates 1 wETH on Polygon. That wrapped token acts like ETH but lives on a different network. This lets you use DeFi apps on cheaper chains while still holding value tied to Ethereum. But here’s the catch: if the bridge’s smart contracts get hacked or its operators go rogue, your funds can vanish. There have been over $2 billion stolen across bridges since 2020—more than any other DeFi vulnerability.
Not all bridges are built the same. Some use trusted validators, others rely on decentralized oracles. Some only support a few major chains; others connect dozens. And while they’re essential for moving liquidity, they’re also where most scams hide. Fake bridges with fake websites promise instant transfers but steal your seed phrase. Real ones? They’re transparent, audited, and often backed by major players like Chainlink or Polygon. If you’re using a bridge, check who built it, whether it’s been audited, and if the community trusts it. You’re not just moving tokens—you’re trusting a piece of code with your money.
The posts below show you real-world examples: how bridges enable trading on low-fee chains, why some fail spectacularly, and how scams pretend to be bridges to steal crypto. You’ll see what’s safe, what’s risky, and what to avoid in 2025. No fluff. Just what you need to move your crypto without getting ripped off.