The cryptocurrency industry has lost more than $11.4 billion to hacks and exploits across 2025 and 2026, according to data from DeFiLlama's Hacks tracker cited in reports on the attacks. The incidents have exposed weaknesses in exchange infrastructure, wallet security and blockchain networks, while cyber threats have also spread well beyond digital assets.
Crypto losses more than triple in 2026
The industry recorded approximately $2.7 billion in losses during 2025. By 3 November 2026, reported losses had more than tripled to $8.776 billion across 328 incidents.
The February 2025 Bybit hack was among the largest attacks of that year, with around $1.5 billion in assets stolen. The 2026 figures, however, are dominated by a single event: the 29 October Binance breach, which accounts for $6.36 billion in reported losses.
Funds moved at speed across chains
The Binance attack stands out for how quickly stolen funds were moved. Investigators traced them through around 12,000 wallets across 11 blockchains in less than four days, a pace of roughly one new wallet every 25 seconds.
The FBI linked the attack to North Korea's TraderTraitor hacking unit, which stole more than $6 billion in virtual assets and converted much of the funds into Ether.
AI is making attacks faster and cheaper
Artificial intelligence is helping hackers carry out attacks in less time and with less effort, according to security researchers.
- Google researchers found that attackers built and launched an automated tool to steal login details in under six hours.
- Anthropic reported AI-assisted attacks in which hackers completed breaches within two to three hours.
AI can help attackers identify weak points in computer systems, create harmful software, steal passwords and strike several targets at once. The result is that operations which once required large teams and days of preparation can now be carried out far faster by fewer people.
Cyberattacks hit 10 countries as governments issue guidance
The security concerns have extended beyond crypto. Hackers targeted at least 10 countries in the past 48 hours, disrupting services and spreading false emergency alerts.
- Europe: Supermarket freezers in seven countries were hacked, with some heating to 50°C. Around 700 French supermarkets were also attacked last month, causing tens of millions of euros in estimated losses.
- Ukraine and Russia: Emergency apps sent false warnings about nuclear strikes and chemical threats.
- Germany: Lawmakers were told to treat their iPhones as potentially compromised after Apple spyware alerts.
- Brazil: Mercado Bitcoin halted withdrawals after hackers stole more than $40 million across at least 10 blockchains.
- United States: A substation failure cut power to parts of Washington, D.C., ahead of the midterm elections.
Governments have responded with preparedness advice. The UK has asked households to keep enough food and water for three days, while Japan recommends storing supplies for a full week. At least 16 countries have issued similar guidance.
