Ethereum Sandwich Attacks Decline But Remain a Costly Threat Exclusive data reveals a notable shift in a persistent problem on the Ethereum blockchain. So-called sandwich attacks, a form of maximal extractable value or MEV exploitation, have seen their frequency decline in recent months. However, this deceptive calm does not mean the threat is gone. These attacks continue to impact hundreds of traders monthly, siphoning millions of dollars in losses from the ecosystem. A sandwich attack is a predatory trading strategy. When a regular user submits a large trade, automated bots detect this pending transaction in the public mempool. The bots then quickly place their own transaction before the victim’s trade, driving the price up, and another after it, selling the asset at the inflated price. The victim receives a worse price due to the artificial slippage, and the attacker pockets the difference. It is a digital form of front-running that directly harms individual traders. The recent decrease in these attacks can be attributed to several key factors. The broader downturn in overall crypto trading volume means there are simply fewer large transactions to target. More importantly, the widespread adoption of private transaction relays by users and major wallets like MetaMask has been a significant deterrent. These services bypass the public mempool, shielding transactions from the prying eyes of bots. Additionally, the rise of Ethereum scaling solutions, or layer 2 networks, has moved substantial volume away from the more expensive and transparent mainnet. Despite this progress, the data underscores that the issue is far from resolved. Attackers have adapted, becoming more sophisticated in their targeting. They now often focus on transactions that still leak through public channels or exploit specific moments of market volatility and congestion. The financial impact remains severe, with monthly losses still measured in the millions. This represents a continuous tax on Ethereum users and a barrier to a completely fair trading environment. The ongoing fight against MEV exploitation is multifaceted. Beyond private relays, research into protocol-level solutions continues. Proposals like threshold encryption aim to encrypt transaction content until it is included in a block, which would fundamentally prevent front-running. Validators and block builders are also increasingly adopting ethical standards and software designed to minimize harmful MEV. For the average Ethereum user, practical steps can reduce risk. Using the private transaction feature available in most major wallets is the most effective immediate action. This often involves a small extra fee but can be worth the cost for significant trades. Staying informed about which block builders and relays prioritize user protection is also beneficial. Ultimately, while the landscape is improving, traders must remain aware that these invisible attacks persist. The decline in sandwich attacks is a positive signal, showing that defensive measures are having a real effect. Yet the persistent millions in losses highlight that this is an evolving arms race. As long as profit exists, attackers will seek new methods. The Ethereum community’s commitment to developing both technical and social solutions will be crucial in finally making these predatory tactics a thing of the past.
