Key Highlights:
- Lazarus Security Lab’s report indicates 16 blockchain networks with built-in freezing capacity and 19 more blockchains could follow.
- Various freezing methods such as Hard Coding, Configuration File Control and Contract Execution are used to freeze millions in stolen assets.
- The recent Bybit hack accelerated adoption of freezing tools within the industry.
Bybit’s subsidiary, Lazarus Security Lab, released a report in which it revealed that amongst 166 blockchains that were reviewed, 16 of them already have built-in fund freezing capabilities, while another 19 could implement such features with relatively minor protocol changes. This indicates that the companies these days are wanting to have more control and safety over their assets.
Bybit’s Lazarus Security Lab has released a report revealing that, after reviewing 166 blockchain networks, 16 blockchains were found to have built-in fund freezing capabilities, while another 19 could enable such features with minor protocol changes. The freezing mechanisms… pic.twitter.com/JzmuFcrbpT
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 12, 2025
Fund Freeze Mechanism Explained
From the report, three primary methods that are used by the blockchains to freeze funds have been explained and they are as follows:
Hard Coding
Some blockchains such as the BNB Chain and the VeChain that have a built-in feature through which the transactions can be freezed. This lets these blockchains quickly stop any suspicious and illegal activities during hacks or security issues.
Configuration File Control
Some blockchains that are comparatively new, such as Sui and Aptos, let operators turn transaction freezing on or off just by changing a setting file. It gives them more flexibility to freeze activity only when needed.
Contract Execution
Some blockchains such as HECO use smart contracts to freeze transactions automatically. Freeze in these cases is triggered through a code.
Real-World Use Cases of Freezing Mechanism
A report from Lazarus Security Lab shows real examples of how these freezes features are used. For example, Sui blocked about $162 million in stolen assets during a hack, stopping the thief from moving them. In another case, BNB Chain stopped $570 million from being taken because of a bridge hack.
These examples show that freezing tools have now become an important part of the standard safety features that help protect users and prevent large-scale theft in the blockchain world.
A little Background on the Bybit Hack
In February 2025, the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-backed hacking entity, executed the largest crypto theft in history. The group managed to steal $1.5 billion in Ethereum from Bybit’s cold wallets, where the hacker managed to compromise developer access and injected malicious scripts into multisignature wallet software. These stolen funds were later on laundered across various blockchains using elaborate tactics.
This event pushed big improvements in blockchain security and tracking stolen funds. Because of this incident, Bybit set up the Lazarus Security Lab. This lab now runs a 24/7 portal where users can report stolen funds. The rewards are known as Lazarus Bounty. It is rewarded to the users for helping recover assets if lost.
Market Reaction
The community however is divided. Supporters believe that freezing is necessary to stop illegal activities and theft, and comply with regulations like AML and KYC, and protect investors.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that giving someone the power to freeze funds adds central control and it is goes against the whole idea of decentralization.
As the hacking groups become more and more capable and advanced, security can no longer be optional. Freezing stolen funds helps stop criminals, recover assets, and maintain trust in the market. Because of this, more blockchains are building freeze functions directly into their systems.
Moving forward, it is being said that majority of the blockchains will adopt this mechanism so that users can quickly respond to the incident and there can be faster recovery in case of a theft.
Also Read: Memecoin Lose Momentum: Why Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Are Under Pressure
