- The first half of 2024 has witnessed an alarming surge in crypto asset thefts, with digital thieves making off with over double the amount compared to the same period last year, according to insights from TRM’s latest report.
- TRM’s findings highlight that from January to June 24th, hackers managed to siphon off $1.38 billion worth of crypto through various hacks and network breaches.
- “Private key and seed phrase compromises remain a top attack vector in 2024, alongside smart contract exploits and flash loan attacks,” says TRM.
Cyberattacks on cryptocurrencies reach unprecedented levels in the first half of 2024, posing significant risks to digital asset investors and platforms alike.
Crypto Theft Hits $1.38 Billion in Early 2024
The blockchain intelligence firm TRM has revealed that the first six months of 2024 have been particularly lucrative for cybercriminals targeting the crypto sector. From January to June 24th, hackers have stolen $1.38 billion worth of digital assets. This marks a significant increase from the $657 million stolen during the same period last year.
Key Factors Contributing to Increased Crypto Thefts
Several major hacks and exploits are accountable for 70% of the total stolen assets in the first half of 2024. Compromises involving private keys and seed phrases have been highlighted as major attack vectors. Additionally, the rising trend of smart contract exploits and flash loan attacks has further exacerbated the problem. The largest attack, involving DMM Bitcoin, resulted in a loss of 4,500 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at over $300 million at the time of the hack.
Notable Cases and Methods
The DMM Bitcoin incident remains the largest so far in 2024. Despite ongoing investigations, the specific method of the attack is still unclear. However, it is suspected that hackers may have employed tactics such as address poisoning or the use of stolen private keys to access the funds. Address poisoning involves sending a small amount of crypto to a wallet from an address that closely resembles the legitimate recipient’s address, leading to potential misdirected funds.
Market Dynamics and Theft Volume
TRM’s report also suggests that the rise in token prices over the past six months may have indirectly fueled the uptick in crypto theft volume. Interestingly, despite the surge this year, the volume remains lower compared to the record high witnessed in 2022. Specifically, thefts for 2024 are a third below those recorded during the same period in 2022, signaling a volatile but nuanced landscape.
Emerging Threats and Preventative Measures
Meanwhile, blockchain security firm SlowMist has issued warnings about increasing scams targeting Toncoin (TON) users on Telegram. Cybercriminals are reportedly infiltrating groups and distributing phishing links, alongside deceptive tactics like fake airdrops, to steal from users’ wallets. Continued vigilance and enhanced security measures are imperative to mitigate such risks.
Conclusion
The first half of 2024 underscores the persistent and evolving threats facing the crypto industry. With thefts doubling from last year and sophisticated methods being deployed, stakeholders must bolster their security frameworks. As we move forward, it remains crucial for both investors and platforms to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their assets from such pervasive cyber threats.
