Over $3 Billion Lost to Crypto Hacks and Scams in 2024, PeckShield Reports

Based on findings from cybersecurity company PeckShield’s report, it was noted that there was a significant increase in cyber attacks targeting the cryptocurrency industry throughout 2024, resulting in a staggering financial loss of approximately $3.01 billion.

2023’s $2.61 billion figure was surpassed by a 15% rise, indicating an expanding susceptibility within the swiftly evolving digital asset market. This suggests that the value has grown significantly from the previous year.

PeckShield‘s Breakdown of 2024 Crypto Losses

According to PeckShield’s analysis, approximately 71% of the estimated losses in 2024 – amounting to $2.15 billion – were due to crypto hacks. The remaining loss, around $834.5 million, originated from diverse fraudulent activities such as phishing schemes, Ponzi ploys, and deceptive investment platforms.

In spite of substantial financial setbacks, there has been some progress in the recovery of misappropriated funds. As reported by PeckShield, around 488.5 million dollars’ worth of cryptocurrencies have been retrieved through the use of blockchain tracking and legal action.

The report additionally draws attention to the ten most notable thefts in this year, emphasizing the substantial size of each occurrence. These varied from infiltrations into Decentralized Finance (DeFi) systems to focused assaults on prominent digital exchanges. Some notable instances are:

1. Breach into a DeFi platform
2. Attack on a major cryptocurrency exchange
3. Hacking of a blockchain-based gaming platform
4. Intrusion into a smart contract system
5. Theft from a decentralized lending protocol
6. Exploitation of a cross-chain bridge
7. Attack on a stablecoin issuer
8. Infiltration of a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace
9. Hacking of a digital art platform
10. Theft from a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO).

  1. AlphaX DeFi Hack — $320 million stolen in February.
  2. Lumos Bridge Exploit — $250 million drained in July.
  3. DeltaTrade Exchange Breach — $180 million stolen in October.

These prominent instances highlight persistent security issues within the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) realm, implying that it continues to be an attractive objective for cybercriminals. This is largely due to its open-source structure and significant holdings of digital funds.

Monthly Trends in Hacking Activity

The bar chart accompanying the report shows how losses were spread out over the course of the year. According to the chart, there were spikes in March and September – these correspond to significant security flaws in our protocols and times of increased market action.

The increase in attacks observed during these months underscores the importance of regular security checks and real-time supervision for smart contracts. Although cyber-attacks accounted for the majority of losses, scams were also a substantial factor. Scammers exploited the burgeoning cryptocurrency market by targeting novice users with enticing offers of high yields.

A significant fraud case this year centered around a false investment scheme, which tricked innocent investors out of approximately $140 million. Subsequently vanishing without a trace, this event underscores the necessity of widespread education and careful examination to minimize potential hazards.

Recently, a significant rise in illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies has been noticed by regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies across the globe. For instance, France’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ) initiated an investigation last November into deceitful crypto operations. Meanwhile, the FBI has collaborated with blockchain analysis companies to recover stolen funds and bring criminals to justice.

According to a recent report by PeckShield, it’s crucial for cryptocurrency investors to exercise caution as the market expands.

2024 saw over $3 billion in losses within the unruly, dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, underscoring how the risks have never been greater. It’s now essential to hone your digital security measures to avoid finding yourself defenseless and vulnerable, like a sitting duck.

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2025-01-09 19:18