Hacker Attacks on Crypto Services Skyrocket by 250% as Digital Assets Become Mainstream Target

Crypto services are facing a surge in hacker attacks, with incidents rising 2.5 times in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. According to experts from Shard, the total damage amounted to $1.3 billion, although last year's losses were higher at around $2 billion.

The rapid spread of digital assets is cited as a main reason for the increase in attacks, with criminals targeting exchanges, wallets, and services through which users store and transfer assets, including Bitcoin. Information security expert Alexey Gorelkin notes that crypto exchanges and asset owners are not yet accustomed to this kind of pressure, making them more vulnerable to hacking.

Recent notable cases include the attack on Grinex, a crypto exchange registered in Kyrgyzstan, where criminals withdrew $14 million from 54 wallets. Experts emphasize the importance of acting quickly after a theft, with the first 24 hours being crucial in recovering funds.