Record $2.7 Billion Crypto Theft Driven by Historic $1.4 Billion Bybit Hack

Cybercriminals stole a record $2.7 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025. This staggering total sets a new high for crypto heists. The figure comes from leading blockchain analysis firms like Chainalysis and TRM Labs. Their data confirms a sharp rise in large-scale breaches.A single, unprecedented attack drove the annual total to new heights. Hackers breached the Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit. They made off with roughly $1.4 billion in digital assets. Authorities have linked this historic theft to North Korean state-sponsored hackers.

North Korean Hackers Blamed for Unprecedented Theft

The Bybit hack is now the largest crypto theft ever recorded. It dwarfs previous major breaches from 2022. Before this, the biggest known crypto heists netted around $624 million. The FBI and private analysts point to North Korea’s Lazarus Group.This group is the most prolific crypto thief in recent years. According to Chainalysis, North Korean hackers stole at least $2 billion in 2025 alone. Since 2017, they have pilfered an estimated $6 billion in total. These stolen funds help bankroll the nation’s sanctioned weapons programs.

Crypto Heist Trend Shows No Sign of Slowing

Other major attacks contributed to the grim annual total. Hackers hit the Cetus decentralized exchange for $223 million. They also stole $128 million from the Balancer protocol. Another breach at the Phemex exchange resulted in a $73 million loss.The trend of billion-dollar annual thefts is accelerating. Hackers stole $2.2 billion in crypto during 2024. The year before that, in 2023, the total was $2 billion. Security experts warn that decentralized finance platforms remain prime targets for sophisticated attackers.

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The record $2.7 billion crypto theft underscores a critical security crisis in the digital asset space. As North Korean hackers grow more audacious, the entire industry faces mounting pressure to bolster its defenses. This historic loss marks a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency security worldwide.

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Q1: What was the largest single crypto hack in 2025?

The largest hack was the breach of the Bybit exchange. Hackers stole approximately $1.4 billion. This makes it the biggest cryptocurrency theft of all time.

Q2: Who is responsible for most of these crypto thefts?

North Korean state-sponsored hackers are blamed for the majority of stolen funds. Groups like Lazarus have been the most active and successful. They are accused of stealing at least $2 billion in 2025 alone.

Q3: How does 2025 compare to previous years for crypto theft?

2025 set a new record with $2.7 billion stolen. This is higher than the $2.2 billion taken in 2024. The trend shows a steady increase in the scale of annual crypto heists.

Q4: Where did the other major crypto thefts occur?

Other significant breaches targeted decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Major losses occurred at Cetus, Balancer, and the Phemex exchange. These three heists combined totaled over $400 million.

Q5: Why do North Korean hackers target cryptocurrency?

North Korea uses stolen crypto to fund its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Cryptocurrency provides a way to bypass international economic sanctions. It is a major source of foreign currency for the regime.