Decentralized finance (DeFi) has exploded across multiple blockchains.
Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Base, Optimism, and dozens of others all host high-yield opportunities, cheaper fees, and innovative protocols.
But to access these opportunities, you often need to move assets from one chain to another.
This process is called bridging, and while it unlocks yield, it also introduces some of the highest risks in DeFi.
In fact, bridge hacks have been responsible for billions of dollars in losses over the past few years.
The good news?
With the right knowledge and safety habits, you can bridge assets safely and take advantage of multi-chain yield.
This guide explains:
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What bridging is
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Why bridges get hacked
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The safest types of bridges
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Step-by-step bridging process
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Risk checklist
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Best practices for beginners
Let’s break it down simply.
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What Is a Crypto Bridge? (Easy Explanation)
A bridge connects two blockchains so you can move tokens between them.
Because blockchains are isolated systems, you cannot just “send” tokens from Ethereum to Polygon or Base.
Instead, a bridge uses:
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Locking contracts on the source chain
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Minting contracts on the destination chain
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Validators or proofs to confirm the transfer
Example:
You bridge ETH from Ethereum → Arbitrum.
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Your ETH is locked in a contract on Ethereum
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The bridge confirms the lock
-
A wrapped version of ETH is minted on Arbitrum
-
You now have ETH to use in Arbitrum DeFi
When you bridge back, the process reverses.
Why Bridges Are Risky (And Why You Must Be Careful)
Bridges are one of the most targeted parts of DeFi because they:
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Hold huge amounts of capital
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Rely on complex code
-
Involve multiple parties
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Have multiple attack surfaces
Common attack types include:
1. Validator Collusion
Some bridges depend on a small group of validators.
If they collude, they can steal funds.
2. Smart Contract Bugs
Complex multi-chain contracts can hide vulnerabilities.
3. Oracle Manipulation
Attackers manipulate price feeds or proof messages.
4. Bridge Infrastructure Hacks
Compromised servers, signing keys, or relayers can expose assets.
Worst-case scenario:
✅ Funds are drained
✅ Users lose everything
✅ There is no insurance
This is why choosing the right bridge matters more than anything.
Types of Bridges (From Most Safe → Least Safe)
1. Native Bridges (Safest)
Built by the blockchain team itself.
Examples:
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Polygon Bridge
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Arbitrum Bridge
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Optimism Bridge
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Base Bridge
✅ Highly audited
✅ Large teams
✅ Less centralization
✅ Most secure option
2. Layer-2 Bridges Using Rollup Technology (Very Safe)
These depend on fraud proofs or validity proofs.
Examples:
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Arbitrum (fraud proofs)
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Optimism (fault proofs)
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ZK-Rollups
✅ Security inherits Ethereum
✅ Harder for attackers
✅ Best for beginners
3. Third-Party Bridges (Moderate Risk)
Examples:
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Wormhole
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Multichain
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Hop Protocol
⚠️ Historically hacked
⚠️ More centralized
⚠️ Still usable with caution
4. Experimental / Low-Liquidity Bridges (High Risk)
Smaller chains or new bridges with little scrutiny.
⚠️ Very high risk
⚠️ Avoid unless you fully understand the technology
How to Bridge Assets Safely – Step-By-Step Guide
Below is a safe process you can follow every time.
Step 1 — Choose a Trusted Bridge
Prefer:
✅ Native bridge
✅ Rollup bridge
✅ Audited protocol
✅ High TVL
Avoid:
❌ Unknown bridges
❌ Bridges with low liquidity
❌ Bridges launched less than 6 months ago
Step 2 — Use Only Well-Known Assets
Stick to:
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ETH
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USDC
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USDT
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WBTC
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DAI
Avoid exotic tokens with low liquidity.
Step 3 — Start With a Small Test Transfer
Before moving $5,000 or $50,000…
Transfer $5 or $10 first.
If the test succeeds → proceed.
If it fails → you’ve lost almost nothing.
Step 4 — Check Fees & Gas Before Confirming
Some bridges:
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Charge high fees
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Have multiple transactions
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Require separate approval + deposit steps
High gas fees can cause transactions to fail.
Step 5 — Watch the Transaction Status
Bridging often involves:
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Locking
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Verification
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Minting
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Finalization
Don’t close the tab until the transaction is fully completed.
Step 6 — Verify the Tokens on the Destination Chain
Check:
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Wallet balance
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Token contract address
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Chain network
Sometimes bridges mint wrapped tokens, which look different from the original.
Step 7 — Only Then Use Yield Protocols
Once the tokens appear:
✅ Deposit into lending
✅ Stake
✅ Farm
✅ Provide liquidity
Do NOT deposit until the bridging transaction is final.
Safety Checklist Before Bridging
Use this checklist every time:
Bridge Safety
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Is it a native or rollup bridge?
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Has it been audited?
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Does it have high TVL?
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No major incidents in the last year?
Token Safety
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Is the token liquid?
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Is the token widely supported?
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Not a newly launched asset?
Transaction Safety
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Small test transfer done
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Gas fees checked
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Wallet connected properly
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No suspicious pop-ups
User Safety
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Hardware wallet used (optional but best practice)
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Browser extension updated
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No permissions granted unnecessarily
Best Practices for Beginners
1. Use Only Major Bridges
Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon.
2. Avoid Multi-Chain Bridges Unless Necessary
Multichain and Wormhole are useful but have historical risks.
3. Use a Hardware Wallet for Large Amounts
Ledger, Trezor, or SafePal.
4. Keep Yield Positions Small Across Chains
Don’t put your entire portfolio into one bridge or chain.
5. Keep an Eye on Bridge News
Bridges can be paused after attacks.
Follow announcements before bridging.
Example: Bridging ETH from Ethereum → Arbitrum Safely
Here’s a safe beginner flow:
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Go to Arbitrum Bridge
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Connect your wallet
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Enter the amount
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Approve ETH
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Confirm the bridge
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Wait for finalization
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Switch network to Arbitrum
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Confirm ETH balance
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Deposit into a protocol like Aave or Radiant
✅ This is one of the safest multi-chain yield setups today.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Mistake 1 — Bridging without checking the bridge reputation
Many users bridge through unknown platforms because they offer slightly higher yields.
Higher yield ≠ safer.
Mistake 2 — Sending tokens to the wrong contract
Bridges often mint wrapped tokens.
Sending to the wrong contract can permanently lose funds.
Mistake 3 — Ignoring network confirmations
Some bridges require multiple confirmations.
If you exit early → funds disappear or get stuck.
Mistake 4 — Using bridges on tiny chains
Small chains + small bridges = high hack risk.
Mistake 5 — Chasing yield instead of safety
Always choose security first, yield second.
Final Verdict: Can You Bridge Assets Safely?
✅ Yes — if you use trusted bridges and follow best practices.
❌ No — if you use random or experimental bridges.
Bridging is powerful because it unlocks:
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Lower fees
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Higher yields
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More DeFi protocols
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Multi-chain diversification
But the risk is real.
The safest path is:
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Use rollup or native bridges
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Start with small amounts
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Use blue-chip tokens
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Keep security prioritized
Follow these principles and you can explore multi-chain DeFi without unnecessary risk.
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Disclaimer: The above content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a licensed financial advisor or accountant before making any financial decisions. Panaprium does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the above content, nor is responsible for it in any manner whatsoever. Any opinions expressed here are based on personal experiences and should not be viewed as an endorsement or guarantee of specific outcomes. Investing and financial decisions carry risks, and you should be aware of these before proceeding.
About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
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