Is Your Bitcoin on Lightning at Risk? Depends on Who Runs the Node

Lightning funds are not uniformly exposed: risk depends on who controls the node and its security practices. Users running their own node retain more control over keys and payment routing, while relying on a custodial provider can expose funds to that operator’s security failures, insolvency, or censorship. Lightning can make Bitcoin payments faster and cheaper, but it does not remove the need to assess custody and counterparty risk.