Digital Thieves Strike Big in 2025
In 2025, digital thieves made off with a staggering amount of cryptocurrency. The total haul reached $2.7 billion, marking a new high. This surge in thefts targeted various platforms, including crypto exchanges and DeFi projects.
The Largest Breach Ever Recorded
The most significant breach occurred at Bybit, a Dubai-based exchange, where hackers swiped approximately $1.4 billion. Experts, including blockchain analysts and the FBI, pointed fingers at North Korean government hackers, who have been particularly active in recent years.
This Bybit breach stands out as the largest crypto theft ever recorded. It surpassed previous notable hacks, such as:
- $624 million from the Ronin Network theft
- $611 million from the Poly Network breach in 2022
Additionally, individual crypto wallets were not spared, with another $700,000 stolen.
A Troubling Trend
The data reveals a troubling trend: crypto theft has been on the rise, increasing from $2 billion in 2023 to $2.2 billion in 2024, before hitting this new peak in 2025.
North Korean Hackers' Role
North Korean hackers were behind at least $2 billion of the stolen crypto in 2025. Since 2017, they have pilfered roughly $6 billion in total. Authorities believe these funds are funneled to support North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
Other Significant Hacks in 2025
- $223 million from Cetus
- $128 million from Balancer
- Over $73 million from Phemex
The Urgent Need for Stronger Security
The increasing sophistication of these cybercriminals raises serious concerns about the security of digital assets. As the crypto market continues to grow, so does the allure for hackers. This trend highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and international cooperation to combat cybercrime.
