Overview

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Hackers have stolen some $600m (£433m) in what appears to be one the largest cryptocurrency heists ever. Blockchain site Poly Network said hackers had exploited a Over $14 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen from DeFi ecosystems last year. And the exploits continue: in the first quarter of 2025 $1.2 Billion worth of crypto was In a new article from HiRiBi, we offer you to review the 10 most high-profile cases in the history of cryptocurrencies. 1. Bybit Hack: $1.5 Billion. In February 2025, Bybit Crypto heists have become an all too familiar occurrence in the fast-paced world of digital assets, where anonymity and decentralization can be both a blessing and a curse. From the latest Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit said last week hackers had stolen digital tokens worth around $1.5 billion, in what researchers called the biggest crypto heist of all time.

Crypto Heists: A Pre- and Post-2020 Comparison

Crypto heists have become an all too familiar occurrence in the fast-paced world of digital assets, where anonymity and decentralization can be both a blessing and a curse. Understanding the evolution of these attacks is crucial for anyone involved in the cryptocurrency space. This article analyzes the landscape of crypto heists, comparing trends and significant events before and after 2020.

Pre-2020: Emerging Threats

Prior to 2020, crypto heists were often characterized by smaller-scale attacks targeting individual vulnerabilities in nascent exchanges and wallets. While concerning, the overall monetary value was significantly lower compared to later years. These early heists served as a testing ground for hackers, allowing them to refine their techniques and identify weaknesses in the emerging infrastructure.

Post-2020: Explosive Growth in DeFi Exploits

The landscape shifted dramatically after 2020, coinciding with the rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Over $14 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen from DeFi ecosystems last year alone. The complexity and interconnectedness of DeFi platforms created new attack vectors, and hackers increasingly targeted smart contract vulnerabilities, bridge exploits, and flash loan attacks. Hackers have stolen some $600m (£433m) in what appears to be one the largest cryptocurrency heists ever. Blockchain site Poly Network said hackers had exploited a vulnerability, illustrating the growing sophistication of these attacks.

Notable Heists: A Tale of Two Eras

Let's examine some high-profile cases to illustrate the changing nature of crypto heists:

  • Bybit Hack: $1.5 Billion. In February 2025, Bybit…
  • Bybit Hack: Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit said last week hackers had stolen digital tokens worth around $1.5 billion, in what researchers called the biggest crypto heist of all time. This example alone highlights the sheer scale of modern breaches.
  • In a new article from HiRiBi, we offer you to review the 10 most high-profile cases in the history of cryptocurrencies.
  • And the exploits continue: in the first quarter of 2025 $1.2 Billion worth of crypto was stolen.

Key Differences: Pre- vs. Post-2020

  • Scale: Heists are significantly larger in value after 2020.
  • Complexity: Attacks are more sophisticated, targeting complex DeFi protocols.
  • Target: Increased focus on DeFi platforms compared to centralized exchanges.
  • Method: Greater reliance on smart contract vulnerabilities and bridge exploits.

Conclusion

The evolution of crypto heists is a continuous arms race. The pre-2020 era was characterized by emerging threats, while the post-2020 period has seen an explosion in DeFi-related exploits and staggering losses. Staying informed about the latest attack vectors and security best practices is crucial for protecting digital assets in this rapidly evolving landscape. As the crypto space matures, so too must the security measures designed to protect it.

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