According to a report by cybersecurity company CertiK, in September 2024, the number of hacker attacks on crypto platforms was twice as high as in the previous month. As a result of exploits, hacks, and fraud, users lost $161.1 million, of which only $2.1 million was recovered.
In addition, the third quarter of 2024 showed a decrease in the number of cyberattacks on cryptocurrency platforms, but a significant increase in the total amount of stolen assets. According to CertiK of October 1financial losses increased by about 9.5%, reaching $753 million. A total of 155 incidents occurred.
The Ethereum network suffered the largest losses, with 86 attacks, frauds, and exploits resulting in losses of over $387 million.
Overall, the largest incident during this period occurred on August 19, when a bitcoin owner lost 4,064 BTC (approximately $238 million) due to a wallet compromise.
Another large-scale theft occurred on the Indian crypto exchange WazirX, where fraudsters managed to take over $235 million in crypto assets.
In total, hackers stole almost $2 billion in 2024. In the first quarter, — $505 million, in the second — $687 million.
Phishing was the most successful attack method in the third quarter of 2024, with attackers stealing more than $343 million in 65 incidents.
Phishing typically involves fraudsters posing as legitimate institutions to trick users into disclosing sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords or private keys.