Major bug bounty programs across DeFi cut rewards by 60–80% and three programs closed, reflecting tighter security budgets.
Tech & Launches ·
Five major DeFi bug bounty programs cut rewards by 60 to 80 percent during the week of October 23–30, 2026, with LayerZero reducing its maximum from $15 million to $3.5 million and Hyperbridge Protocol slashing its high-severity minimum from $50,000 to $10,000. Three programs including Orderly Network, Ref Finance Smart Contracts, and Velodrome Finance closed entirely, removing $450,000 in total bounty capacity. Three new programs launched with $510,000 in combined maximum payouts, while 11 programs expanded their vulnerability scopes and 13 underwent rescopes during the same period.