Crypto Hacks Surge 50% in 2025 With $2.1 Billion Stolen

The cryptocurrency industry is grappling with a severe security crisis in 2025. In the first half of the year alone, hackers have pilfered over $2.1 billion across 75 separate incidents, marking a 50% increase from previous years. This alarming trend underscores the escalating threat level and the urgent need for enhanced security measures within the digital asset ecosystem.

According to a report from TRM Labs, infrastructure attacks, including private key thefts, seed phrase breaches, and front-end hijacks, accounted for over 80% of the stolen funds. These attacks were often ten times larger than other exploit types and typically enabled by social engineering or insider access. The report highlights that these breaches expose critical weaknesses at the foundation of cryptosecurity, emphasizing the need for robust defenses across the industry.

One of the most concerning aspects of this surge in crypto thefts is the involvement of state-backed actors. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been linked to a staggering $1.6 billion in stolen crypto this year, which is about 70% of the total. The largest hack was reportedly on Bybit, a Dubai-based exchange, pushing the average hack size to $30 million in 2025, double the $15 million average in 2024. North Korea continues to exploit crypto markets to evade international sanctions, making it one of the most dangerous state actors in the digital asset space.

In another shocking case, Nobitex, an Iranian exchange, lost $100 million in crypto during a coordinated attack in June 2025. Investigations revealed that the hack was led by Israeli cybercriminal Gonjeshke Darande, highlighting how geopolitical tensions are now directly impacting crypto security. This incident underscores the growing complexity of the security landscape, as high-stakes actors from different regions intensify their attacks on the crypto industry.

To combat these growing threats, TRM Labs outlined several key steps for crypto companies to protect themselves. These include cold storage for user funds, multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular security audits, insider threat detection systems, social engineering countermeasures, and transparent communication with users. With crypto hacks becoming more frequent and severe, platforms must act quickly to implement robust security frameworks. From wallet breaches to exchange exploits, the global crypto ecosystem is under pressure, and enhanced security measures are no longer optional—it’s essential.

The surge in crypto hacks has raised concerns about the overall security of the digital asset ecosystem. The increasing frequency and sophistication of these attacks underscore the need for robust security protocols and continuous vigilance. Industry experts have called for improved user authentication methods, enhanced encryption standards, and better regulatory oversight to protect against future threats. The involvement of state-backed actors, such as North Korean hackers, adds a geopolitical dimension to the issue, requiring coordinated efforts from governments and international organizations to address this emerging challenge. As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize security and implement comprehensive measures to safeguard digital assets and maintain investor confidence.