Crypto Cyberattacks Surge in 2025 Stealing $2.47 Billion in First Half

The frequency and scale of crypto-related cyberattacks in 2025 have exceeded those of 2024, according to a report by CertiK, a leading blockchain security firm. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than $2.47 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen through 344 incidents, including hacks and scams targeting assets such as Ethereum and Lido Staked Ether [3]. This figure already surpasses the total amount lost in 2024, signaling a sharp and alarming increase in the vulnerability of digital assets [3]. The report also highlights systemic weaknesses in blockchain infrastructure, emphasizing that as long as vulnerabilities exist, they will inevitably be exploited [3].

One of the most significant breaches occurred on Bybit, where nearly $1.5 billion was lost in February 2025 [3]. The incident, along with others targeting Ethereum-based systems, has contributed to market turbulence, raising concerns about the stability and security of decentralized finance ecosystems. Wallet compromises and phishing scams continue to be major attack vectors, underscoring the need for improved authentication protocols and user education [3].

Ronghui Gu, co-founder and professor at CertiK, noted that the ongoing battle against cyber threats is essentially an “endless war,” driven by the continuous evolution of attacker strategies [3]. As blockchain technology becomes more complex, so do the methods used to breach its security. This has placed greater pressure on security firms to innovate and adapt to stay ahead of malicious actors.

The rise in cyberattacks is not limited to the crypto sector. A recent cyberattack on Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, attributed to pro-Ukrainian hackers, highlights the broader trend of escalating cyber threats across industries [4]. Meanwhile, researchers suggest that AI is shifting the balance in favor of attackers, as it enables more sophisticated breach tactics and faster exploitation of vulnerabilities [5]. These developments imply that traditional defensive measures may no longer be sufficient, and the integration of AI-based security systems could be necessary to counter emerging threats.

The financial consequences of these breaches are significant, with CertiK’s report revealing that the gap between technological advancement and cybersecurity defenses remains a critical challenge [3]. Analysts warn that without stronger infrastructure and clearer regulatory frameworks, the crypto industry will struggle to maintain investor confidence. The increased influence of crypto backers in political contributions—nearly 44 percent of corporate political funding in the 2024 cycle—has not translated into better security outcomes [1]. Instead, the sector continues to face scrutiny, particularly as scam tactics evolve and new fraud schemes emerge.

Scams such as “pig butchering,” a form of romance-based fraud tied to crypto, have already generated $12.4 billion in 2024 [2]. These schemes typically involve emotional manipulation followed by financial exploitation, making them particularly damaging to both individual victims and the broader trust in digital assets. The FBI has also issued warnings about the “phantom hacker” scam, which has defrauded Americans of over $1 billion since 2024 by falsely claiming victims are under investigation for cybercrimes [2]. These cases illustrate the growing sophistication of fraud in the digital finance space and the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and regulatory intervention.

The volatility of the crypto market has also been exacerbated by external factors, such as the Bitcoin sell-off in late August 2025, which was triggered by a large whale dumping. This event led to a sharp decline in Bitcoin’s price, falling below $109,000, and triggered over $930 million in liquidations [6]. The incident exposed the fragility of leveraged positions and the potential for market manipulation by large holders, further emphasizing the interconnected nature of crypto assets and their susceptibility to external shocks.

In light of these developments, the industry must prioritize stronger security infrastructure and more transparent reporting of breaches. The data clearly shows that 2025 has already seen a significant rise in cyberattacks, and without systemic reforms, the trend is likely to continue. Investors, regulators, and technology developers must collaborate to establish more resilient frameworks that can withstand both malicious actors and market volatility [6].

Source: [1] The Crypto State | Portside.org (https://portside.org/2025-08-25/crypto-state)

[2] Pig Butchering: The $12.4 Billion Romance-Crypto Scam … (https://www.scamwatchhq.com/pig-butchering-the-12-4-billion-romance-crypto-scam-epidemic-breaking-hearts-and-bank-accounts/)

[3] Data Breaches Digest: 2025 (https://www.dbdigest.com/2025/)

[4] NSO Security Team News – NetSource One (https://www.nsoit.com/Cybersecurity-News/)

[5] The Cyber Offense-Defense Balance for Trailing-Edge … (https://arxiv.org/html/2508.15808v1)

[6] Bitcoin Price Tanks Below $109K After Whale Dump in … (https://cryptoadventure.com/bitcoin-price-tanks-below-109k-after-whale-dump-in-brutal-market-flush)