DeFi Hacks Soar in 2026, North Korea-Linked Actors Dominate

DeFi hacks have been on the rise this year, with over $840 million lost in the first five months of 2026. According to data from TRM Labs, North Korea-linked actors are responsible for 76% of global crypto hack losses through April 2026, up from 64% in 2025 and less than 10% in 2020.

The recent surge in DeFi hacks has exposed structural weaknesses across bridges and admin systems. Experts point to advances in AI as a contributing factor, allowing attackers to find vulnerabilities faster. However, the industry is also shifting towards more practical, structural solutions to address infrastructure and social-engineering risks.