Baskin Logic Crypto Academy

Intermediate · Scaling

What is a crypto bridge? How it works and why bridges get hacked

By Joshua Baskin, founder · Reviewed · Sources

How a lock-and-mint bridge worksLock tokens on chain A. The bridge confirms the deposit. Wrapped tokens minted on chain B. Burn to return, unlock on chain A.1Lock tokens on chain A2The bridge confirms the deposit3Wrapped tokens minted on chain B4Burn to return, unlock on chain A
How a lock-and-mint bridge works

The short lesson

Blockchains can't see each other. A bridge carries value across.

  • Lock and mint: your tokens are locked on chain A; a wrapped version is created on chain B.
  • Burn and release: going back destroys the wrapped token and unlocks the original.
  • Native rollup bridges rely on Ethereum itself; third-party bridges rely on their own validators.

Staying safe

  • Bridges hold big pools of locked funds, which makes them prime targets.
  • Use the official bridge linked from the network's own site. Fake bridge sites are common.
  • Send a small test first, and check the destination network.

Lesson game · earn XP

Check yourself: 3 quick questions

Perfect score = combo bonus. Each question returns in your spaced-repetition review.

Memory · spaced repetition

Flashcards: lock it in

Flip each card, then say if you knew it. Missed cards come back sooner.

Keep learning

Common questions

Is a bridged token the same as the original?

No. It is a stand-in. Its value depends on the bridge staying secure.

What if a bridge is hacked?

Wrapped tokens can lose their backing. Recovery is rare.

Sources

  1. ethereum.org: Introduction to blockchain bridges
  2. FBI statement on the Ronin bridge hack attribution (2022)
  3. L2BEAT risk analysis

Sources checked October 31, 2026. Rules change; check the official source before acting.

Education only. Not investment, tax or legal advice. We do not pick coins.