Crypto Hacks Surpass $2.5 Billion in First Half of 2025

Nearly $2.5 billion in cryptocurrency has been lost to hacking incidents in the first half of 2025, according to a report by blockchain security firm CertiK. This figure already exceeds the total losses recorded for the entire year of 2024, underscoring a sharp and alarming increase in cyberattacks targeting the crypto industry [1]. The report attributes the losses to 344 separate incidents, with an average loss per breach reaching $7.1 million [2].

Ethereum has emerged as a primary target, with 175 attacks resulting in $1.63 billion in losses [2]. Other affected assets include Lido Staked Ether (stETH) and tokens from exchanges such as Bybit and Crypto.com. Bybit reported the largest single incident, involving a significant breach of Ethereum and stETH assets [1]. Meanwhile, on-chain investigator ZachXBT has raised concerns over governance transparency at Crypto.com, alleging that the platform has concealed a major incident from the public [2].

Despite improvements in cybersecurity measures, the number of attacks remains high, and the methods used continue to evolve. Wallet compromises and phishing scams remain the most common vectors of attack, with user behavior and smart contract vulnerabilities also cited as key factors [1]. CertiK co-founder Ronghui Gu emphasized the ongoing nature of the threat, stating that as long as vulnerabilities exist, attackers will exploit them [2]. He described the situation as an “endless war,” highlighting the need for continuous innovation in security protocols [1].

The trend is not confined to any single region or blockchain network, reflecting a global challenge for the crypto industry [2]. Analysts have pointed to the need for stronger governance, better transparency, and more robust educational initiatives to combat the rising threat. The increased frequency of attacks has also prompted calls for regulatory scrutiny, although no official statements from oversight bodies have been reported [1].

Industry participants are now under pressure to strengthen infrastructure, secure user data, and improve auditing practices. The growing losses have sparked conversations about decentralization, protocol upgrades, and the role of exchanges in maintaining user trust [2]. As the industry grapples with these challenges, the focus remains on developing more resilient systems that can withstand increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Source:

[1] Cointelegraph – https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-hacks-2025-cybersecurity-war-human-behavior

[2] Mitrade – https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1070072-20250826

[3] FinanceFeeds – https://financefeeds.com/crypto-hacks-hit-2-47-billion-in-first-half-of-2025-as-phishing-scams-surge/