Alarming Crypto Losses: $142M Stolen in July as Hacks and Scams Surge 27%
The cryptocurrency sector faced a devastating surge in crypto losses in July 2025, with hackers and scammers stealing a staggering $142 million. This marks a 27% increase from June’s $111 million losses, highlighting the growing threat of cybercriminal tactics in the blockchain space.
Major Crypto Losses: The Biggest Breaches of July 2025
The $142 million in crypto losses were concentrated in a few high-impact attacks:
- CoinDCX: $44 million stolen via a sophisticated social engineering attack
- GMX: $42 million lost through a smart contract exploit (with $40.5 million returned)
- BigONE: $28 million compromised via third-party wallet provider
- WOO X: $12 million lost in unauthorized transactions
How Cybercriminals Are Exploiting Blockchain Security Gaps
PeckShield’s analysis reveals alarming trends in cryptocurrency breaches:
- Attackers are shifting focus from on-chain to off-chain vulnerabilities
- Social engineering targets employees rather than code
- Centralized exchanges remain prime targets despite improved smart contract audits
The Rising Tide of Cryptocurrency Breaches in 2025
The broader context is even more concerning:
| Time Period | Losses |
|---|---|
| First half 2025 | $2.17 billion |
| All of 2024 | $1.87 billion |
| Projected 2025 total | Could exceed $4 billion |
Protecting Against Crypto Losses: What Can Be Done?
To combat these cybercriminal tactics, experts recommend:
- Implementing stricter access controls for employees
- Enhancing detection methods for unauthorized transactions
- Conducting regular security training to prevent social engineering
- Using multi-signature wallets for large holdings
The cryptocurrency industry faces an urgent security crisis as hackers refine their methods. While blockchain technology continues to evolve, so do the threats against it. Only through vigilance, education, and improved security protocols can the sector hope to stem the tide of these devastating crypto losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest cryptocurrency breach in July 2025?
The largest breach was the $44 million theft from Indian exchange CoinDCX, resulting from a social engineering attack on an employee.
How much have crypto losses increased from June to July 2025?
Losses increased by 27%, from $111 million in June to $142 million in July.
Are smart contracts still the main target for hackers?
No, attackers are increasingly targeting off-chain infrastructure and employees through social engineering rather than exploiting smart contracts.
What percentage of 2025 crypto thefts involved personal wallets?
23% of thefts involved personal wallets, with some cases linked to violent coercion.
How does 2025’s loss compare to previous years?
The first half of 2025 ($2.17B) already surpassed all of 2024 ($1.87B), putting 2025 on track to be the worst year for crypto losses.
