Industry leaders warn AI agents could supercharge hacking in Web3

Industry leaders at a panel during the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2026 warned that the rapid spread of autonomous AI agents could improve usability for Web3 users while also giving malicious hackers attack tools on an unprecedented scale. Ryan Kirkley, CEO of Global Settlement Network, said at the event that even multitrillion-won bridge hacks would look minor compared with future AI-driven attacks, The Block reported. Kirkley referenced major bridge hacking cases and explained that attackers had previously avoided targeting individual wallets because the time required made such attacks inefficient. With AI agents, however, simultaneous and automated attacks at scale could be carried out against Wi-Fi networks, passwords and wallets, according to the report. Panelists also identified the lack of a regulatory framework as the biggest obstacle to mass commercialization, saying it remains unclear who would be responsible for recovering funds or bearing ultimate legal liability if autonomous AI agents break the law or cause unexpected financial losses.