Why You Should Be Extra Careful
In the first half of 2025, cryptocurrency thefts reached a record $2.1 billion, according to a report by TRM Labs. This is the highest amount ever recorded for a six-month period in crypto history. Most of these losses came from direct attacks on crypto infrastructure, not smart contracts.
The most common attack methods included stolen private keys, fake website interfaces, and phishing. These are harder to detect and often result in larger losses. TRM Labs confirmed that attacks on wallets and centralized platforms were far more damaging than previous smart contract bugs.
What makes this even more serious is the involvement of state-sponsored hackers. Groups linked to North Korea were behind over 70 percent of the stolen funds. One of the biggest cases was the $1.5 billion hack of Bybit in February, which was blamed on the Lazarus Group. Another example includes a June attack on an Iranian exchange by hackers reportedly linked to Israel.
This trend shows a major shift. Cryptocurrency is no longer just a target for individual criminals but is now being used in global cyber conflicts. These attacks are well-planned, fast, and increasingly difficult to stop.
The rise in theft highlights the need for better personal and platform-level security. Users are advised to store most assets offline, avoid clicking unknown links, and never share seed phrases. TRM Labs also called on the industry to improve threat detection and response systems.
The message is clear. As the crypto market grows, so does the risk. Do not wait until it is too late. Stay informed and take action to protect your assets.