OKX, the second largest crypto exchange platform, has restarted its decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator with new security upgrades. In March 2025, OKX paused its DEX operations due to misuse by the North Korean-linked Lazarus Group, a high-profile crypto hacker. Now, with new features like advanced real-time abuse detection, a dynamic blocklist of suspicious addresses, and active risk alerts, OKX DEX is back online. It is clear that with these enhanced approaches, OKX will restore the trust in decentralized finance. Furthermore, with added security features, OKX is leveling up for a more secure DeFi environment across the Web3 landscape. Let’s dive in and explore in-depth. 

OKX Paused DEX Aggregator After Lazarus Misuse

After discovering the North Korean-linked Lazarus Group’s misuse activity, on March 17, 2025, OKX made a quick decision and temporarily halted its DEX operations. OKX’s main aim is to provide a secure environment for its users. Hence, to prevent the platform from further misuse and to protect users from malicious activity, OKX has taken this quick action. Also, the crypto exchange has mentioned that it was developing a hacker address system that would track bad actors and block them. 

New Security Features of OKX

In a recent X tweet, OKX founder and CEO Star Xu revealed that OKX will restart its DEX aggregator with several new features. The most notable upgrade is the real-time abuse detection and blocking system. This added feature is designed to identify fraudulent on-chain activity and prevent the user account before it causes any damage. 

OKX DEX will restart today with realtime abuse detecting and blocking system. OKX Web3 is Chrome and search engine to blockchain. Base on our understanding of onchain data, we help customers access to hundreds chains realtime data, manage multiple chains’ asset and engage with…

— Star (@star_okx) May 5, 2025

“Our dynamic database of suspect addresses blocks hackers and bad actors real-time, while proactive alerts warn you about risky transactions,” the exchange said. Also, the OKX founder said, “We audited and verified by leading blockchain security firms like Certik, Hacken, and SlowMist, and infrastructure tested through our bug bounty program.” 

New On-chain Tools to Identify Whales

Beyond new security features, OKX web3 is enhanced with advanced wallet analysis tools. This new feature was categorized as wallet holders used to identify whales. Also, it helps traders better understand on-chain market dynamics and respond more strategically. The OKX founder, Star Xu, also said that “OKX Web3 is a browser and search engine for blockchain”. This statement of home reinforces OKX’s vision of creating a secure, transparent platform with intelligent DeFi engagement. As the crypto world continues to evolve, security and transparency remain an essential part of crypto exchanges like OKX. This new enhanced feature must be a good step ahead of the OKX ecosystem. Let’s get involved with OKX and see how the new features offer secure trading opportunities.