Cybercriminals stole $2.2bn from hacking crypto platforms in 2024 — Report

Funds stolen by hacking cryptocurrency platforms surged 21% from a year ago to $2.2 billion in 2024, a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis showed on Thursday.

The hacking amount exceeded $1 billion for the fourth straight year and the number of incidents rose to 303 from 282 in 2023, it said. Hackers had stolen $1.8 billion in 2023.

The rise in crypto heists comes as bitcoin BTC jumped 140% this year to surpass $100,000 mark, drawing institutional participation and backing from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

“As the digital asset market booms, it is typical to see the illicit use of crypto grow in tandem,” Chainalysis’ cybercrimes research lead Eric Jardine said.

“Countering the proliferation of these crimes — especially fraud — will undoubtedly be a key challenge for the industry in the new year.”

Compromises to private key that controls access to users’ assets accounted for the majority of stolen crypto this year with most of the attacks targeting centralized platforms, the report said.