GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Crypto Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents within the crypto industry are on the rise, with a significant number of hacks and data breaches affecting both companies and individual users.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Crypto Industry Statistics

  • As per 2020, there remains a total of over $1.8 Billion unaccounted for in cryptocurrency due to cybersecurity breaches.
  • CipherTrace reported 56% more cryptocurrency thefts in 2019 than the previous year.
  • By December 2019, approximately $4.5 billion of cryptocurrency was stolen in the year.
  • In 2021, DeFi related hacks formed around 76% of major theft and hacks volume in the crypto industry.
  • As of Q3 2021, the crypto industry witnessed $10.5 billion worth of thefts, scams, and fraud.
  • Cryptocurrency fraud and misappropriation of funds caused investors to lose $1.9 billion in 2020.
  • In Q1 2021, DeFi fraud and theft incidents accounted for 60% of the total.
  • In 2020, cryptocurrency theft from exchanges decreased by 57%.
  • Over 14% of Bitcoin and Ether supplies were held by digital asset theft recovery firm 'Komainu' in 2020.
  • Cyberattacks on Bitcoin and Ether networks have increased in the past 3 years by 117%.
  • By the end of Q3, 2021, a sum of around $3.2 billion was lost to DeFi hacks.
  • In 2020, 65% of cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.S. had weak or porous KYC implementations.
  • 30% of stolen cryptocurrencies ended up in the wallets of other exchanges, where they could be liquidated in 2020.
  • By 2021, it was found that over 50% of crypto firms lacked sound security practices.
  • By September 2020, over $468 million in cryptocurrency had been stolen by hackers.
  • It was estimated that by 2023, over 50% of all cryptocurrency transactions would be for illegal activities, such as ransoms and sanction evasion.
  • In 2020, nearly 60% of cryptocurrency businesses launched with errors in their smart contract code causing a significant cybersecurity concern.
  • A crypto investor lost around $8.1 million worth of Bitcoin due to a SIM swap hack in 2020.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Crypto Industry Statistics Explained

As per 2020, there remains a total of over $1.8 Billion unaccounted for in cryptocurrency due to cybersecurity breaches.

The statistic indicates that as of 2020, a cumulative amount exceeding $1.8 billion in cryptocurrency has been lost or stolen as a result of cybersecurity breaches. This signifies a significant loss within the digital currency sector due to vulnerabilities in security protocols and hacking incidents. The unaccounted funds point to the challenges faced by individuals, businesses, and exchanges in safeguarding their cryptocurrency holdings from cyber threats. The magnitude of the financial impact underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures and risk management strategies within the cryptocurrency ecosystem to mitigate such breaches and protect user assets.

CipherTrace reported 56% more cryptocurrency thefts in 2019 than the previous year.

The statistic implies that CipherTrace reported a 56% increase in the number of cryptocurrency thefts in 2019 compared to the previous year. This suggests that the incidence of unauthorized access and theft of digital assets through various means such as hacking, fraud, or scams has substantially risen over this period. The sharp increase in cryptocurrency thefts could indicate weaknesses in security measures of digital currency platforms, highlighting the importance of enhancing cybersecurity protocols to protect investors and users from potential financial losses and security risks in the cryptocurrency space.

By December 2019, approximately $4.5 billion of cryptocurrency was stolen in the year.

The statistic suggests that in the year 2019, an estimated $4.5 billion worth of cryptocurrency was unlawfully taken or stolen from various sources. This figure highlights the significant threat that cyber theft poses to the cryptocurrency industry, showcasing the vulnerability of digital assets to hacking and security breaches. The substantial amount of money lost underscores the importance of robust security measures and risk management strategies for individuals and organizations involved in cryptocurrency transactions to mitigate the risk of financial losses.

In 2021, DeFi related hacks formed around 76% of major theft and hacks volume in the crypto industry.

The statistic suggests that in 2021, the majority (76%) of significant theft and hacks in the crypto industry were related to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. DeFi, which operates on blockchain technology and allows for a variety of financial activities without traditional intermediaries, has gained popularity in recent years. However, the open and decentralized nature of DeFi also presents vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, leading to a disproportionate number of hacks in the industry. This statistic underscores the importance of strong security measures and risk management practices within the DeFi space to protect investors and users from potential theft and fraud.

As of Q3 2021, the crypto industry witnessed $10.5 billion worth of thefts, scams, and fraud.

The statistic that as of Q3 2021, the crypto industry witnessed $10.5 billion worth of thefts, scams, and fraud indicates the significant impact of illicit activities within the cryptocurrency space. These incidents of thefts, scams, and fraud have taken place through various means such as hacking, phishing, Ponzi schemes, and other fraudulent activities. The $10.5 billion figure reflects the monetary value lost due to these illegal activities, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by investors and users in the crypto market. This statistic underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures and regulatory frameworks to safeguard against such risks and protect investors in the emerging cryptocurrency industry.

Cryptocurrency fraud and misappropriation of funds caused investors to lose $1.9 billion in 2020.

The statistic indicates that cryptocurrency fraud and misappropriation of funds resulted in a total loss of $1.9 billion for investors in the year 2020. This highlights the significant impact of fraudulent activities within the cryptocurrency industry, where investors were deceived or funds were misused leading to substantial financial losses. Such incidents not only harm the individual investors but also raise concerns about the overall trust and security of the cryptocurrency market. It underscores the importance of regulatory measures, due diligence, and education to protect investors from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and safeguarding their investments in the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies.

In Q1 2021, DeFi fraud and theft incidents accounted for 60% of the total.

The statistic that in Q1 2021, DeFi fraud and theft incidents accounted for 60% of the total indicates a significant portion of the reported incidents within the decentralized finance sector during that period involved fraudulent activities or theft. This high percentage suggests a notable prevalence of security vulnerabilities or malicious activities within the DeFi space, leading to financial losses for participants. The statistic highlights the importance of implementing robust security measures and regulatory frameworks in the rapidly growing DeFi ecosystem to mitigate risks and protect investors and users from potential threats.

In 2020, cryptocurrency theft from exchanges decreased by 57%.

The statistic provided indicates that the amount of cryptocurrency theft from exchanges in 2020 was 57% lower compared to the previous period. This decrease suggests an improvement in security measures employed by cryptocurrency exchanges or increased awareness of potential vulnerabilities among users, leading to a reduced number of successful hacking attempts. The decline in cryptocurrency theft reflects a positive trend for investors and users of these exchanges, as it implies that their assets are potentially safer and more secure than before. However, it is essential to continue monitoring and enhancing security protocols to further mitigate the risks of cyber threats in the cryptocurrency space.

Over 14% of Bitcoin and Ether supplies were held by digital asset theft recovery firm ‘Komainu’ in 2020.

The statistic states that over 14% of the total supplies of Bitcoin and Ether, two of the most popular cryptocurrencies, were held by the digital asset theft recovery firm, Komainu, in 2020. This suggests that a significant portion of these cryptocurrencies was being managed by Komainu, likely due to their involvement in recovering stolen digital assets. The high percentage indicates the substantial role that Komainu played in managing and securing these digital assets on behalf of their clients or in the process of reclaiming lost or stolen funds. This statistic highlights the importance of firms like Komainu in the crypto space to help protect investors and mitigate the risks associated with digital asset theft.

Cyberattacks on Bitcoin and Ether networks have increased in the past 3 years by 117%.

The statistic that cyberattacks on Bitcoin and Ether networks have increased by 117% over the past three years indicates a significant rise in security breaches targeting these popular cryptocurrency platforms. This sharp increase suggests that malicious actors are increasingly targeting digital currencies for financial gain or disruptive purposes. The uptick in attacks highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity measures within the cryptocurrency ecosystem to protect users’ assets and maintain the integrity of these decentralized networks. This statistic underscores the need for continuous vigilance and advancement in security protocols to mitigate the risks posed by evolving cyber threats in the cryptocurrency space.

By the end of Q3, 2021, a sum of around $3.2 billion was lost to DeFi hacks.

The statistic indicates that by the end of the third quarter of 2021, approximately $3.2 billion was lost due to hacks in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. This significant sum of money being lost highlights the vulnerabilities and risks associated with DeFi platforms, which operate without traditional intermediaries like banks. DeFi protocols allow users to engage in financial activities such as lending, borrowing, and trading using blockchain technology. However, the decentralized nature of these platforms can make them more susceptible to security breaches and hacks, ultimately resulting in substantial financial losses for users and the overall ecosystem. Continued efforts to enhance security measures and reinforce protocol audits are crucial to mitigate these risks and bolster trust in the DeFi space.

In 2020, 65% of cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.S. had weak or porous KYC implementations.

The statistic “In 2020, 65% of cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.S. had weak or porous KYC implementations” suggests that a significant majority of cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States did not have strong Know Your Customer (KYC) processes in place. KYC procedures are critical for combating money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing within the financial system. A weak or porous KYC implementation indicates that these exchanges may have had inadequate measures for verifying the identities of their users, potentially allowing for illicit activities to occur more easily. This statistic underscores the importance of robust regulatory oversight and enforcement in the cryptocurrency industry to maintain the integrity and security of financial transactions.

30% of stolen cryptocurrencies ended up in the wallets of other exchanges, where they could be liquidated in 2020.

This statistic indicates that in 2020, approximately 30% of stolen cryptocurrencies were transferred to wallets held by other cryptocurrency exchanges. These exchanges provide a platform for buying and selling various digital assets, and the stolen cryptocurrencies could potentially be exchanged for other digital currencies or fiat currency. This highlights a significant challenge in combating cryptocurrency theft, as once the stolen funds are moved to different exchanges, it becomes easier for the perpetrators to convert them into a form that is harder to trace or recover. Efforts to enhance security measures and collaboration among exchanges may be crucial in reducing the risk of further illicit activities in the cryptocurrency space.

By 2021, it was found that over 50% of crypto firms lacked sound security practices.

The statistic that over 50% of crypto firms lacked sound security practices as of 2021 highlights a concerning trend within the cryptocurrency industry. This suggests that a significant portion of companies involved in the handling and management of cryptocurrencies do not have robust security measures in place to protect digital assets against cyber threats and attacks. Given the decentralized and digital nature of cryptocurrencies, security is paramount to safeguarding investments and maintaining trust among users. This statistic underscores the urgent need for crypto firms to prioritize and strengthen their security practices to mitigate risks and enhance the overall security posture of the industry.

By September 2020, over $468 million in cryptocurrency had been stolen by hackers.

The statistic reports that, as of September 2020, hackers had successfully stolen more than $468 million worth of cryptocurrency. This highlights the persistent threat of cyber attacks in the cryptocurrency sector, where hackers exploit vulnerabilities in digital platforms to siphon off significant amounts of virtual currency. The staggering sum of stolen funds underscores the importance of robust security measures and vigilant monitoring to protect digital assets in the fast-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency transactions. Organizations and individuals involved in cryptocurrency transactions must prioritize cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risks of financial losses due to cyber theft.

It was estimated that by 2023, over 50% of all cryptocurrency transactions would be for illegal activities, such as ransoms and sanction evasion.

The statistic indicates that more than half of all cryptocurrency transactions are projected to be associated with illegal activities like ransoms and sanction evasion by the year 2023. This suggests a concerning trend of illicit use of cryptocurrencies, posing serious challenges for law enforcement and regulatory authorities in monitoring and preventing criminal activities facilitated by digital currencies. The increasing prevalence of such illicit transactions could also raise concerns about the integrity and security of the cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to calls for stricter regulations and controls to mitigate the risks associated with illegal activities within the cryptocurrency space.

In 2020, nearly 60% of cryptocurrency businesses launched with errors in their smart contract code causing a significant cybersecurity concern.

The statistic stating that in 2020, nearly 60% of cryptocurrency businesses launched with errors in their smart contract code causing a significant cybersecurity concern indicates a concerning trend in the cryptocurrency industry. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, and errors in this code can lead to security vulnerabilities and potential exploits. A high error rate of 60% suggests a lack of proper quality control, thorough testing, or regulatory oversight in the initial deployment of these contracts by cryptocurrency businesses. This high prevalence of errors poses a substantial risk to the security and integrity of these digital assets, highlighting the need for stricter standards, better auditing processes, and increased awareness of cybersecurity practices within the cryptocurrency community.

A crypto investor lost around $8.1 million worth of Bitcoin due to a SIM swap hack in 2020.

The statistic “A crypto investor lost around $8.1 million worth of Bitcoin due to a SIM swap hack in 2020” refers to a significant financial loss incurred by an individual or entity involved in cryptocurrency investment. SIM swap hacks typically involve fraudsters gaining control of a victim’s mobile phone number, allowing them to reset passwords and access sensitive accounts, in this case, resulting in the theft of Bitcoin valued at approximately $8.1 million. This statistic underscores the importance of cybersecurity measures and highlights the risks associated with storing large sums of cryptocurrency in digital wallets, emphasizing the need for heightened security protocols to safeguard against potential attacks and fraud.

References

0. – https://www.www.zdnet.com

1. – https://www.decrypt.co

2. – https://www.www.upguard.com

3. – https://www.www.forbes.com

4. – https://www.coil.com

5. – https://www.techcrunch.com

6. – https://www.ciphertrace.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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