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Wormhole: The Cross-Chain Messaging Network and Portal Bridge, Reviewed

Wormhole reviewed: the interoperability network connecting 30+ chains, its Portal bridge, the 2022 hack in context, and who it's for.

By Web3Wagmi Team3 min read
Table of contents

Connecting Ethereum to Solana, Sui or Aptos is exactly where most bridges stop. Wormhole is built for it: a cross-chain messaging network spanning 30-plus chains, including major non-EVM ecosystems, with the Portal bridge for moving assets and a messaging layer that powers many cross-chain apps. Its reach is a real strength, and its history includes one of DeFi's largest exploits, which is worth understanding. Here is how it works, the security story, and how to use it.

What is Wormhole?

Wormhole is a cross-chain messaging and interoperability network connecting more than 30 chains, including non-EVM ecosystems like Solana, Sui and Aptos. Its Portal bridge lets you move assets across those chains, and its messaging layer powers many cross-chain applications. W is its token.

Wormhole is more than a bridge: it is infrastructure many apps build on for cross-chain communication. For users, the most visible piece is Portal, the bridge for moving assets across its very broad set of connected chains, especially the non-EVM reach that most bridges lack.

How Wormhole works

  1. Choose source and destination chains (including non-EVM chains) and the asset.
  2. Portal moves the asset across chains using Wormhole's messaging network.
  3. Guardians and the network verify and relay the cross-chain message.
  4. Receive the asset on the destination chain in your wallet.

Why users choose Wormhole

  • Non-EVM reach. Connects Solana, Sui, Aptos and more, where most bridges cannot go.
  • Very broad coverage. 30-plus chains under one interoperability network.
  • More than a bridge. A messaging layer that powers many cross-chain apps.
  • Established ecosystem. Wide adoption and integration across DeFi.

When to reach for something else: for the cheapest EVM-to-EVM intent transfer, deBridge or Relay; for native L1-to-L1 swaps, THORChain. Wormhole is the pick when your route spans non-EVM chains.

Security history and risks

The record must be stated plainly: in February 2022, Wormhole's Solana-Ethereum bridge was exploited for roughly $325M through a signature-verification flaw. The bug was patched and the funds were made whole (backstopped by Jump). Since then Wormhole has hardened its stack and operated with a much stronger posture and broad adoption. Still, messaging bridges are high-value attack surfaces and no bridge is risk-free. Verify the official URL, prefer canonical routes and assets, and test small on any new route.

How to get started

  1. Open Portal (the official bridge) and confirm the URL.
  2. Select source and destination chains and the asset.
  3. Review the route and fees, then confirm.
  4. Test small, especially on non-EVM routes, before moving size.

→ Bridge on Wormhole

Final verdict

Wormhole is the interoperability backbone for reaching beyond EVM. Connecting 30-plus chains including Solana, Sui and Aptos, with the Portal bridge and a messaging layer many apps rely on, it goes where most bridges cannot. Its 2022 exploit, patched and made whole, is a permanent part of the story and a reminder that bridges are high-value targets. For cross-chain transfers spanning non-EVM chains, Wormhole is often the only practical route. Verify the URL, prefer canonical assets, and test small.

Related guides

For the full landscape, see our best crypto bridges guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Wormhole?

Wormhole is a cross-chain messaging and interoperability network connecting 30-plus chains, including non-EVM chains like Solana, Sui and Aptos. Its Portal bridge lets you move assets across those chains, and its messaging layer powers many apps. W is its token.

Did Wormhole get hacked?

Yes. In February 2022, Wormhole's Solana-Ethereum bridge was exploited for about $325M via a signature-verification flaw. The vulnerability was patched and the funds were made whole (backstopped by Jump). It is a major part of the record and a reminder that bridge messaging is a high-value attack surface.

Is Wormhole safe now?

After the 2022 exploit, Wormhole hardened its stack and has run since with a much stronger security posture and broad adoption. No bridge is risk-free, and messaging bridges remain high-value targets. Verify the official URL, prefer canonical routes, and test small.

Which chains does Wormhole support?

Wormhole connects a very broad set of chains, over 30, including EVM chains and non-EVM ecosystems like Solana, Sui, and Aptos. That non-EVM reach is a key differentiator. Check the app for current supported chains and assets before transferring.