Crypto hacks drop 47% in H1 but ecosystem remains unsafe: CertiK

Crypto exploits fell 47% year-on-year to $1.32 billion in the first half of 2026, but the second quarter saw a sharp rebound, according to Web3 security firm CertiK.

Total losses from hacks and exploits dropped compared to the same period last year, but CertiK warned that attacks have become more "financially destructive." In Q2 2026, exploit losses surged 59% quarter-on-quarter to $807.5 million, driven largely by two major incidents linked to North Korean hackers: the KelpDAO and Drift Protocol exploits. The data suggests that while the overall frequency of attacks may have decreased, the average impact per incident has grown.

For cryptocurrency traders, the persistent threat of high-impact exploits underscores the importance of due diligence when interacting with DeFi protocols. The involvement of state-backed actors adds a layer of geopolitical risk that can trigger sudden market sell-offs. NowPrice's real-time crypto quotes can help traders monitor price reactions to security incidents as they unfold.

Looking ahead, the crypto security landscape remains fragile. CertiK's report highlights that the ecosystem is not fundamentally safer, and traders should watch for further exploits targeting high-value protocols. The concentration of losses in a few large events suggests that attackers are focusing on lucrative targets, making risk management and portfolio diversification key considerations.