Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest blockchain developments, you might have stumbled across a thought-provoking presentation at EthCC[8], the Ethereum Community Conference held in 2025. The tweet from Shutter Network highlights a bold claim: sandwich attacks—those sneaky market manipulation tactics on decentralized exchanges (DEXs)—might not be as "solved" as some think, even with solutions like private mempools and smart routing. Let’s dive into what this means and why it’s sparking conversation.

What Are Sandwich Attacks, Anyway?

For those new to the crypto game, a sandwich attack is a clever (but shady) trick used by bad actors on DEXs. Imagine you’re trying to swap some tokens, and a malicious trader spots your transaction on the blockchain. They jump in with two moves: placing a buy order right before yours (front-running) and a sell order right after (back-running). This “sandwich” manipulates the price, leaving you with a worse deal—sometimes a hefty loss. The Ethereum network’s transparency makes this possible, and it’s a big deal in the world of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV), where traders exploit these opportunities.

The Claim: Sandwich Attacks Are Largely Solved?

The presentation, delivered by EigenPhi and featuring insights from @BryanzkEth, suggests that innovations like private mempools and smart routing have tackled this issue. Private mempools are like exclusive waiting rooms for transactions, hiding them from prying eyes and reducing the chance of front-running. Smart routing, on the other hand, uses algorithms to find the best trade prices across multiple exchanges, aiming to dodge price manipulation. Sounds promising, right?

But here’s the kicker: the slide boldly states “3. Swap Sandwiches Not Solved” and highlights a whopping $714K loss. That’s a clear signal that these solutions aren’t foolproof. The meme-style image of a smug face with a sandwich and the Ethereum logo adds a humorous yet pointed jab at the situation, urging us to dig deeper.

Why the Skepticism?

So, why the doubt? Even with private mempools keeping transactions under wraps, determined attackers can still find ways to exploit the system. Smart routing helps, but it’s not a magic shield—market volatility and timing issues can still leave traders vulnerable. The presentation’s call to check out the full YouTube video (link here) suggests there’s more data backing this up, likely showing real-world examples where these attacks still bite.

For meme token traders, this is especially relevant. Many meme coins, like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, thrive on DEXs and are prime targets due to their wild price swings. A $714K loss could wipe out significant holdings, impacting both casual investors and serious blockchain practitioners.

What This Means for You

If you’re trading on DEXs or dabbling in meme tokens, this news is a wake-up call. Relying solely on private mempools or smart routing might not be enough. Staying informed is key—follow updates from events like EthCC[8] and tools like MEVBuster to track and avoid these risks. Consider diversifying your trades or using platforms with stronger anti-MEV measures.

At Meme Insider, we’re all about empowering you with the latest insights. This EthCC[8] revelation reminds us that the blockchain world is always evolving, and staying ahead means questioning the status quo. What do you think—are you worried about sandwich attacks, or do you trust the new solutions? Drop your thoughts in the comments!