Crypto Hacks: An In-Depth Look at Security Threats in Cryptocurrency

By Patricia Miller

Apr 28, 2026

2 min read

Over $17 billion in crypto stolen in a decade. Major hacks continue to shape market trends and impact investor sentiment.

Recent statistics indicate that hackers have stolen over $17 billion in 518 incidents throughout the past decade, as reported by DefiLlama. Currently, the market reflects a certainty about future breaches, with chances for more major incidents set at a full 100%.

The most recent hack involved a significant $290 million exploit on Kelp DAO’s rsETH bridge. This incident has been attributed to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. With 251 days remaining until the market resolves, traders overwhelmingly anticipate that high-profile breaches will continue to occur.

The exploit fits a troubling trend of hacking efforts linked to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which includes a notable $1.5 billion breach at crypto exchange Bybit last year. The consistent 100% YES odds for potential additional hacks underscore the widespread belief that state-sponsored groups will persist in targeting crypto infrastructure. With each passing year, the frequency and size of such operations have noticeably increased.

#How Do These Hacks Impact Bitcoin and Market Sentiment?

Exploitations of this magnitude also have repercussions for public sentiment surrounding Bitcoin. Although there isn’t current data regarding Bitcoin potentially reaching $60,000 by April, historical trends indicate that large-scale hacks generally dampen overall confidence in the cryptocurrency market, likely raising the chances of price declines.

For those traders contemplating a contrarian approach, wagering against another substantial hack by the year's end could yield straightforward financial outcomes. It would necessitate a belief that either security measures will advance significantly or that hacker activity will dramatically decrease—both necessary factors to challenge the long-standing trend of cybersecurity breaches. Given the continued operations of groups like Lazarus, this may not be a wise bet.

#What Should Traders Watch For?

Traders should stay informed by monitoring updates from cybersecurity firms such as CertiK and SlowMist. Keeping an eye on findings from specialized on-chain investigators like ZachXBT can provide insight into new exploits, whether already in motion or forthcoming.

Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for navigating the tumultuous landscape of cryptocurrency investments.

Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.