The 10 Biggest Crypto Heists in History: How Billions Vanished in Seconds

Cryptocurrency operates in a realm where transactions are irreversible, customer support is minimal, and security is paramount. The decentralized nature of digital assets offers numerous advantages, but it also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to safeguarding funds.

Over the years, several high-profile hacks have underscored the vulnerabilities within the crypto ecosystem.

Here are ten of the most significant crypto hacks in history, highlighting the importance of robust security measures and the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals.

1. Bybit Hack (2025) – $1.5 Billion Stolen

In February 2025, the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit experienced the largest crypto heist to date. Hackers infiltrated Bybit's cold wallet system, absconding with approximately $1.5 billion in Ether tokens. The FBI attributed this attack to North Korea's Lazarus Group, a notorious hacking collective known for funding the nation's nuclear and missile programs through cybercrimes. Bybit assured users that their assets would be compensated, but the incident sent shockwaves through the industry, emphasizing the need for enhanced security protocols.

2. Ronin Network Hack (2022) – $625 Million Stolen

In March 2022, the Ronin Network, which supports the popular blockchain game Axie Infinity, suffered a devastating breach. Attackers exploited compromised private keys, facilitating unauthorized withdrawals totaling $625 million in Ether and USDC. The breach went unnoticed for six days and was later linked to the Lazarus Group. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in cross-chain bridges and the importance of vigilant security monitoring.

3. Poly Network Hack (2021) – $611 Million Stolen

In August 2021, Poly Network, a platform facilitating cross-chain transactions, was targeted in a massive hack. A vulnerability in its smart contract code allowed an attacker to transfer $611 million worth of cryptocurrencies to their own addresses. In a surprising turn, the hacker, who claimed to have perpetrated the attack "for fun," returned all the stolen assets, citing an intention to expose the network's security flaws.

4. Coincheck Hack (2018) – $530 Million Stolen

In January 2018, Japanese exchange Coincheck fell victim to a significant security breach. Hackers accessed the exchange's hot wallet, stealing $530 million worth of NEM tokens. Unlike many other exchanges that collapsed post-hack, Coincheck managed to reimburse affected users and continued operations, though the incident raised serious concerns about the security of hot wallets.

5. Mt. Gox Collapse (2014) – $460 Million Lost

Once handling over 70% of global Bitcoin transactions, Mt. Gox was a titan in the early days of cryptocurrency. Between 2011 and 2014, the exchange experienced a series of security breaches, culminating in the loss of 850,000 Bitcoins, valued at $460 million at the time. The collapse of Mt. Gox served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with centralized exchanges and the importance of regulatory oversight.

6. FTX Collapse and Hack (2022) – $477 Million Stolen

In November 2022, shortly after declaring bankruptcy, the cryptocurrency exchange FTX experienced an unauthorized withdrawal of $477 million. The sudden outflow of funds led to suspicions of an inside job, as the assets were swiftly moved through mixers to obfuscate their origin. This event, coupled with the exchange's financial mismanagement, marked one of the most catastrophic failures in crypto history.

7. Binance BNB Bridge Hack (2022) – $569 Million Stolen

In October 2022, Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, faced a significant security breach. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in the BNB Chain's cross-chain bridge, BSC Token Hub, creating and withdrawing 2 million BNB tokens, equivalent to $569 million. The incident underscored the complexities and risks associated with cross-chain functionalities.

8. Bitfinex Hack (2016) – $72 Million Stolen

In August 2016, Bitfinex, a major cryptocurrency exchange, was targeted by cybercriminals who exploited vulnerabilities in the platform's multi-signature wallet system. The attackers made off with approximately 120,000 Bitcoins, valued at $72 million at the time. The breach led to a significant loss of user funds and highlighted the need for robust security measures in cryptocurrency exchanges.

9. The DAO Hack (2016) – $60 Million Stolen

In June 2016, The DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization on the Ethereum blockchain, fell victim to a hack due to a flaw in its smart contract. The attacker siphoned off $60 million worth of Ether, leading to a crisis within the Ethereum community. To mitigate the damage, a hard fork was implemented, resulting in the creation of two separate chains: Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC).

10. Atomic Wallet Hack (2023) – $100 Million Stolen

In June 2023, users of Atomic Wallet, a decentralized cryptocurrency wallet, reported unauthorized transactions draining their accounts. The breach resulted in losses exceeding $100 million. Despite investigations, the exact method of the hack remained undisclosed, leaving many users without recourse and emphasizing the inherent risks in managing private keys and using decentralized platforms.

These incidents underscore the critical importance of security in the cryptocurrency space. As the industry evolves, so do the tactics of malicious actors. For investors and users, it's imperative to stay informed, employ best security practices