Crypto hackers have taken $2.7 billion in 2026 and the losses are alarmingly concentrated

According to CryptoSlate, crypto firms and users lost nearly $2.7 billion to security incidents during the first nine months of 2026. Blockchain security firm CertiK recorded 658 incidents through September, with about $420.4 million frozen or returned, leaving adjusted losses at roughly $2.26 billion. Losses became heavily concentrated in just a few attacks. Five breaches alone account for about $1.57 billion, led by a $387.5 million breach at Bitget and a $318.7 million incident at Liquid Network, alongside KelpDAO, Drift Protocol, and an unidentified victim. September became the costliest month of 2026, registering about $766.5 million in losses. Meanwhile, blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reported that suspected North Korean hackers have stolen more than $1 billion across more than 51 incidents this year, including links to the Bitget and Drift Protocol exploits. CertiK also noted that Ethereum recorded the highest number of security events, while physical wrench attacks increased during the period.