8 stories about Hacks from across the crypto press, curated and summarized daily. Most recent: Jul 29, 2026.
This year's crypto hacks total $972 million, with most losses coming from stolen keys and governance failures rather than code bugs. Experts warn that audits alone don't guarantee safety, highlighting the need for stronger security practices.
Crypto hacks hit a record 207 incidents in the first half of 2026, but total losses fell to $972 million, a significant drop from previous years. DeFi exploits, in particular, saw a 74% decrease in damage compared to 2022, according to Immunefi.
While crypto hacks decreased by 47% in the first half of 2026, Q2 saw a 59% increase in exploits, totaling $807.5 million. North Korean hackers were behind some of the largest breaches, including attacks on KelpDAO and Drift Protocol.
Private key security flaws, not smart contracts, were responsible for 40% of crypto's $16 billion hack losses. The industry is working on solutions, but progress is uneven. Wish Wu, co-founder and CEO of Pharos, highlights the need for better key management.
The total value locked in DeFi has fallen by 39% this year, wiping out $45 billion in value. This decline is driven by a broader market downturn and major exploits, including the Kelp DAO hack.
Q2 2026 was the most-hacked quarter on record, with 83 cybersecurity incidents resulting in $755 million stolen. Cross-chain bridges remained the most costly attack vector, highlighting ongoing security vulnerabilities in the crypto industry.
The rise of advanced AI models is causing a spike in DeFi hacks, according to Immunefi CEO Mitchell Amador. These tools are making it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in crypto projects.
Many crypto users are opting for high-yield investments over DeFi insurance, leaving billions at risk. This trend has led to the collapse of most DeFi insurance protocols, which were meant to protect against hacks and exploits.