The DAO Is Back: Griff Green Activates 75,000+ ETH to Fund Ethereum Security in 2026

The DAO Security Fund has officially been activated, nearly ten years after the original DAO hack reshaped Ethereum’s history. 

Ethereum developer Griff Green confirmed that more than 75,000 ETH from unclaimed DAO hack funds will now support long term Ethereum security efforts.

Instead of remaining locked in inactive contracts, this unclaimed ETH will be used to strengthen network safety and fund smart contract security grants. 

Key Takeaways

• The DAO Security Fund uses unclaimed ETH from the DAO hack
• Over 75,000 ETH forms a long term Ethereum security endowment
• Smart contract security grants will be funded through staking rewards

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The DAO Security Fund and the Legacy of Unclaimed ETH

The DAO Security Fund originates from one of the most influential moments in crypto history. In 2016, The DAO launched as a decentralised investment experiment and raised around 150 million dollars worth of ETH.

Within weeks, a flaw in its smart contract allowed funds to be drained. This incident triggered a major crisis and ultimately led to Ethereum’s hard fork.

After the hack, ETH was set aside to refund affected participants. However, Griff Green explained that a portion of these DAO hack unclaimed funds was never claimed. At the time, this unclaimed ETH was worth about six million dollars.

By 2026, the value of these dormant assets had grown significantly, reaching close to 200 million dollars. Rather than leaving the funds inactive, the Ethereum community chose to repurpose them.

The DAO Security Fund is not a revival of the original DAO model. Instead, it transforms unclaimed ETH into an Ethereum security endowment focused on protecting users and infrastructure.

Read Also: Ethereum Launched New Post-Quantum Security Team

How the 75,000 ETH Security Fund Will Operate

The 75,000 ETH security fund is made up of assets from several DAO related contracts. Approximately 70,500 ETH comes from an ExtraBalance Withdrawal contract.

An additional 4,600 ETH in ether and DAO tokens originates from The DAO Curator Multisig. These assets have no clear claimants, allowing them to be used collectively.

Rather than spending the ETH directly, the fund will stake it. The staking yield will be used to support operations and distribute smart contract security grants.

This approach allows the fund to operate as a sustainable Ethereum security endowment rather than a one time funding pool.

Governance will rely on decentralised allocation models, including quadratic funding, retroactive funding, and ranked choice voting. Eligibility requirements will be set by the Ethereum Foundation’s grants team.

Oversight will come from experienced security contributors, including Vitalik Buterin, Taylor Monahan, Jordi Baylina, and other respected Ethereum developers.

Read Also: Get to Know Privacy Projects on Ethereum

Why Smart Contract Security Grants Matter in 2026

Smart contract security remains one of Ethereum’s biggest challenges. While auditing practices have improved, everyday users still face risks from phishing attacks and wallet draining scams.

Griff Green has pointed out that security improvements for non technical users have progressed slowly in recent years. Many protections remain invisible or difficult to use.

The DAO Security Fund aims to close this gap. By funding smart contract security grants, the initiative supports tools, research, and education that improve real world safety.

Using DAO hack unclaimed funds for this purpose is also symbolic. The original exploit exposed weaknesses in early smart contracts.

Redirecting unclaimed ETH into modern security efforts connects past failures with future resilience.

Read Also: DAO in Crypto: Definition, Examples, and How It Works

Conclusion

The activation of The DAO Security Fund marks a meaningful shift in how Ethereum handles its history. By transforming DAO hack unclaimed funds into a 75,000 ETH security fund, Griff Green and the wider community are reinforcing Ethereum’s long term commitment to safety.

Rather than reopening old debates, the focus is on practical outcomes. Through staking, decentralised governance, and smart contract security grants, the Ethereum security endowment aims to protect users and infrastructure for years to come.

FAQ

What is The DAO Security Fund?

It is an Ethereum security endowment created from unclaimed ETH linked to the DAO hack.

How much unclaimed ETH is involved?

More than 75,000 ETH is being used to support security initiatives.

Who is leading the initiative?

Griff Green is a key contributor alongside the Ethereum Foundation.

What will the fund support?

Smart contract security grants, research, and security tools.

Does this change Ethereum governance?

No, it operates alongside existing governance structures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and readers should conduct independent research before making investment decisions.