Ethereum Mainnet Surpasses Layer-2s in Daily Activity

In an unexpected turn for the blockchain sector, Ethereum mainnet outpaced all layer-2 networks in daily active addresses this January. This development marks a significant shift from the usual trend where scaling solutions typically dominate user activity metrics.

The surge in mainnet usage comes with a critical caveat. Security analysts have identified address poisoning attacks as a primary driver behind these elevated numbers. This revelation complicates what initially appeared to be a straightforward victory for the main network.

The January 2026 data revealed Ethereum mainnet's unexpected dominance over its scaling solutions. For months, layer-2 networks had consistently maintained higher daily active address counts due to lower transaction costs and faster processing times.

This reversal represents a notable deviation from established patterns. The mainnet's performance suggests either renewed user confidence in the primary chain or external factors artificially inflating the metrics.

Key observations from the activity spike include:

• Mainnet activity exceeded all layer-2 competitors combined
• The surge occurred despite persistently high gas fees
• Network congestion remained manageable during the period
• User behavior patterns showed unusual concentration

Behind the impressive numbers lies a more troubling narrative. Security analysts quickly identified that a portion of the activity spike stemmed from malicious address poisoning campaigns rather than organic user growth.

Address poisoning involves attackers sending small transactions to wallets, creating fake transaction histories that mimic legitimate addresses. This tactic tricks users into sending funds to incorrect destinations.

Security analysts attributed part of the spike to address poisoning attacks.

The technique has become increasingly sophisticated, with attackers exploiting:

• Similar-looking wallet addresses
• Transaction history manipulation
• User confusion during transfers
• Automated address generation tools

The address poisoning phenomenon fundamentally distorts traditional network health indicators. Daily active addresses typically serve as a reliable proxy for genuine user engagement and ecosystem growth.

However, these attacks create artificial activity that masks true adoption trends. Security professionals must now distinguish between legitimate transactions and malicious ones when analyzing network data.

This development challenges how analysts measure blockchain success. The metrics that once provided clear insights into adoption now require deeper investigation to separate organic growth from security threats.

The Ethereum ecosystem faces a dual challenge: maintaining scaling momentum while combating sophisticated security threats. Layer-2 networks continue offering solutions to high fees, yet mainnet security features remain attractive for many users.

This incident highlights the complex trade-offs within blockchain architecture. Users must balance cost efficiency against security considerations, while developers work to protect against evolving attack vectors.

Looking forward, the community must address:

• Enhanced wallet security features
• Better user education about address verification
• Improved analytics to filter malicious activity
• Coordinated response strategies across networks

The January 2026 activity surge serves as a critical reminder that raw metrics require context. While Ethereum mainnet's performance appears impressive on paper, the underlying security concerns demand immediate attention.

Network participants should remain vigilant about address verification and transaction details. As attacks grow more sophisticated, both individual users and institutional players must adapt their security practices accordingly.

The path forward requires balancing innovation with protection. Only through coordinated security efforts can the ecosystem ensure that future activity spikes reflect genuine growth rather than malicious exploitation.