Blockchain security firm CertiK's latest report reveals that cryptocurrency-related hacks, exploits, and scams resulted in $2.47 billion** in losses during the first half of 2025. While this marks a 3% year-over-year increase from 2024, Q2 saw a **52% reduction** in financial damages ($800 million) and 59 fewer incidents** compared to Q1.
Key Trends in Crypto Security (H1 2025)
| Attack Vector | Incidents | Losses | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallet Compromises | 34 | $1.7B | 68.8% |
| Phishing Attacks | 132 | $410M | 16.6% |
| Protocol Exploits | 70 | $360M | 14.6% |
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Concentrated Losses: Two Major Incidents Dominated
- Bybit Hack (Feb 21): $1.5B stolen via cold wallet exploit
- Cetus Protocol Attack (May 22): $225M lost on Sui blockchain
"Excluding these two events, H1 losses would total $690M—a 71% decrease," CertiK noted.
Emerging Threats
Phishing Surge: 132 attacks ($410M) targeted users via:
- Fake airdrop links
- Spoofed exchange portals
- Social engineering
Ethereum Vulnerability: Despite a 29% Q2 reduction:
- 70 incidents occurred
- DeFi's TVL makes it prime target
Security Tip: Use hardware wallets and verify all contract interactions.
Regulatory Developments Shaping Security
- US: SEC policy shifts under Trump administration
- Hong Kong: Stablecoin framework passed
- EU: MiCA regime now active
CertiK emphasizes: "Institutional adoption demands higher security standards as attack surfaces expand."
FAQs
Q: How much was recovered in H1 2025?
A: Over $187 million—reducing net losses to ~$2.2B.
Q: Which blockchain was most targeted?
A: Ethereum (70 incidents), though Binance Smart Chain saw sharper percentage growth.
Q: Are hardware wallets effective against phishing?
A: Yes—they prevent private key exposure from malicious sites.
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