In 2025, crypto hackers stole a record $2.7 billion, marking the largest yearly cryptocurrency heist to date, according to blockchain-monitoring firms. The attacks targeted exchanges, Web3 platforms, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) projects.
The most significant theft occurred at Dubai-based crypto exchange Bybit, where hackers reportedly stole $1.4 billion in digital assets. Blockchain analysts and the FBI attributed this massive hack to North Korean government hackers, who remain the most active and prolific crypto thieves in recent years.
Before the Bybit heist, major thefts included the $624 million Ronin Network hack and the $611 million Poly Network hack, both in 2022. The 2025 total surpasses all previous annual records. Chainalysis and TRM Labs tracked $2.7 billion stolen in crypto last year, with an additional $700,000 reportedly taken from individual wallets.
North Korean crypto hackers reportedly stole around $2 billion in 2025 alone, helping the country circumvent international sanctions and fund its nuclear weapons program. Since 2017, these hackers are estimated to have stolen approximately $6 billion in cryptocurrency.
Other notable attacks in 2025 include:
- Cetus DEX: Hackers stole $223 million from the decentralized exchange.
- Balancer protocol: $128 million lost on Ethereum blockchain.
- Phemex exchange: Cybercriminals stole over $73 million.
The relentless pace of crypto theft shows no signs of slowing. In 2024, cybercriminals stole $2.2 billion, up from $2 billion in 2023. The continued rise of Web3 and DeFi platforms presents new opportunities for crypto hackers.
Experts warn that users and platforms must strengthen security measures and implement advanced monitoring systems to prevent such massive losses. The 2025 record theft underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and international cooperation to combat crypto-related cybercrime.
Crypto hackers have demonstrated that even the most advanced security systems are vulnerable, and the industry must remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
In other news read more about: Massive $1.5 Billion Crypto Heist Hits Bybit, Allegedly Linked to North Korean Hackers
