Artificial intelligence has long been presented as a tool for crypto traders and developers. But in 2026, it has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it helps detect critical flaws before they are exploited. On the other, it enables attackers to hack protocols, wallets, and platforms at unprecedented speed and scale. In this article, we review this new threat, its most significant real-world examples from the year, and best practices for protecting your assets.