For another year, hackers stole billions of dollars from the Bitcoin market. However, reports indicate this trend has declined for the first time since 2020, surprising crypto security companies.
De.FI, a leading web3 security business that manages the REKT database, estimated 2023 cyberattack damages at $2 billion. Cyberattacks and thefts throughout the year caused this large amount. The REKT ranking highlights the worst crypto thefts, including the 2022 Ronin network attack, when hackers stole almost $600 million.
De.FI's research highlights DeFi's ecosystem weaknesses, per a report from TechCrunch. Despite problems, 2023 showed weaknesses and progress in resolving them. Due to the bad market, interest in the area was low in the first half of the year, according to the research.
A computer screen displays a site featuring cryptocurrency token sales and ICO (Initial Coin Offering) lists in Berlin on November 26, 2017.
In addition to this data, blockchain intelligence startup TRM Labs estimated that hackers stole $1.7 billion in crypto by mid-December. This number supports the idea that stealing is down from last year. High-profile breaches on Euler Finance, Multichain, BonqDAO, Poloniex, Atomic Wallet, and hundreds of others added to the losses.
Chainalysis reported a record $3.8 billion in crypto stolen by attackers last year. These losses included $1.7 billion from the Lazarus ring, a prominent crypto theft ring that funded North Korea's nuclear weapons development.
Phishing Scheme Stole $3M of Crypto on Christmas Day
Meanwhile, phishing schemes still threaten crypto, as fraudsters stole $3 million in bitcoins on Christmas Day. These occurrences emphasize the need to verify websites and transactions, particularly those permitted by Web3 wallets.
Cointelegraph reported that Scam Sniffer said that Christmas Day phishing schemes totaled $3 million. According to business screenshots, WBTC, aPolUSDT, aUSDC, and USDT were taken on different occasions.
Google Ads security was warned about bogus site promotion and wallet-draining spyware in April 2023, according to a representative.
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The newest phishing attacks encourage cryptocurrency users to verify Web3 wallet-authorized URLs and transactions.
Now, phishing schemes are the biggest hazard to users. Scam Sniffer's representative claimed users may only prevent them by carefully verifying signature requests.
In its newest wallet drainer report, Scam Sniffer detected 10,072 fraudulent MS Drainer sites until 2023. Dune Analytics' dashboard shows the program stole $58.98 million in Bitcoin from over 63,000 victims.
Barry Silbert Steps Down as Grayscale Chairman
Grayscale Investments has announced leadership changes wherein Digital Currency Group (DCG) According to Coindes, Mark Shifke will replace Barry Silbert as the company's chief financial officer starting January 1, 2024. This leadership change occurred while the SEC analyzed various ETF applications, including Grayscale's, by January 10, 2024.
Grayscale Investments is seeking SEC permission to turn its Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a US spot ETF. The SEC has delayed Grayscale, BlackRock, Ark 21shares, Vaneck, and Hashdex ETF applications, several of which have met with the regulator and provided updated paperwork as year-end approaches. By Jan. 10, the EPA must accept or reject Ark 21Shares, the first deadline.
In 2023, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Grayscale's parent company, Digital Currency Group, for fraud.
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