Lido has stated that the recent Kelp hack affected 9% of its EarnETH exposure, while emphasizing that its core Ethereum staking operations remain “safe and stable.”
What Lido said about the Kelp hack’s impact on EarnETH
The liquid staking protocol confirmed that the security incident involving Kelp resulted in exposure affecting 9% of EarnETH. The impact was limited to that specific product layer, not the broader Lido staking platform.
EarnETH represents one component within Lido’s product suite. The 9% figure refers to the portion of EarnETH that carried exposure to Kelp at the time of the hack, not 9% of Lido’s total assets or staking operations.
The distinction matters for users evaluating their risk. Lido’s core staking product, which handles the majority of the protocol’s total value locked, was not directly affected by the Kelp incident.
Why Lido says core staking remains safe and stable
Lido used the phrase “safe and stable” to characterize its core staking infrastructure in the wake of the hack. That reassurance applies specifically to the main Ethereum staking service, not necessarily every adjacent product or integration layer.
The protocol’s core staking contracts have undergone multiple rounds of independent security audits. The separation between core staking and products like EarnETH is what allowed Lido to contain the Kelp-related exposure to a fraction of one product.
Lido remains one of the largest DeFi protocols by total value locked on Ethereum. The incident highlights how DeFi composability can introduce risks that extend beyond a single protocol’s core operations, similar to how oracle and data integrity issues have prompted scrutiny on other platforms.
What EarnETH users and Ethereum stakers should watch next
Users with EarnETH exposure should monitor Lido’s official channels for further clarification on recovery efforts, the exact scope of losses, and any remediation plans for affected depositors.
Key details that remain unconfirmed include the dollar value of the affected 9%, whether any user funds were permanently lost, and what containment measures Lido has implemented to prevent similar cross-protocol exposure going forward.
Ethereum stakers using Lido’s core liquid staking product do not appear to face elevated risk based on the information disclosed so far. As institutional interest in Ethereum-based products continues to grow, with vehicles like spot crypto ETFs attracting billions in inflows, the security of major staking protocols remains a key concern for the broader market.
The Kelp hack also raises questions about how DeFi protocols vet third-party integrations, a topic that has gained urgency alongside developments like new stablecoin launches expanding into emerging chains. Users should watch for any further Lido disclosures on containment and recovery timelines.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
