North Korean Crypto Hackers Dominate Decentralized Finance Losses

A recent report by blockchain security firm CertiK sheds light on the significant threat posed by North Korean hackers to the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The study reveals that DPRK-linked groups were responsible for 60% of all crypto theft losses in 2025, amounting to a staggering $2.06 billion. This dominance is not limited to 2025 alone; North Korean hackers have continued to wreak havoc on decentralized finance protocols this year, accounting for 55% of global crypto losses since the start of 2026.

According to the report's author, social engineering is the primary attack vector used by these groups. This involves posing as legitimate entities to infiltrate DeFi platforms and exploit vulnerabilities. The Bybit breach in February 2025 serves as a prime example, with hackers extracting $1.46 billion through just two transactions.

The findings also highlight the speed at which stolen funds are laundered through a complex network involving decentralized exchanges (DEXs), cross-chain bridges, and other illicit infrastructure. In one major case, an astonishing 86% of funds were laundered within just one month, making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track and recover these assets.