Bybit Ethereum Heist Propels Record $2.1 Billion in Crypto Stolen by Hackers So Far in 2025
Summary
Hackers stole $2.1 billion in cryptocurrency in the first half of 2025, marking a record high, with North Korean-sponsored actors responsible for 70% of the losses. North Korean groups accounted for $1.6 billion of the stolen funds, primarily from the $1.5 billion hack of crypto exchange Bybit, the largest in history. The breach was linked to a compromised developer laptop at multi-signature wallet provider Safe. U.S. authorities have long claimed that North Korea uses cybercrime to fund its nuclear program. The report indicates that crypto hacks are increasingly strategic, with 80% of losses resulting from infrastructure attacks targeting private keys and seed phrases.
