Crypto hacks reach highest quarterly total since 2020
- Seventy-one cryptocurrency hacking incidents were recorded globally in the second quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly total since 2020, with losses reaching US$746 million.
- Coinone delisted four tokens for hacking-related reasons this year, the highest among South Korea's major cryptocurrency exchanges.
- South Korean regulators are stepping up enforcement against market manipulation as exchanges tighten controls on hacked tokens.
A total of 71 cryptocurrency hacking incidents were recorded globally during the second quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly figure since 2020, with estimated losses of US$746 million, according to data from market analysis platform Unfolded.
Unfolded said the increase reflected a larger number of attacks targeting smaller cryptocurrency projects rather than isolated breaches involving major digital assets, highlighting continued security risks across the sector.
The source material did not include an executive quote.
Among South Korea's major cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinone delisted 27 tokens this year, including four for hacking-related reasons, while Upbit delisted 12 tokens, Bithumb 19, Korbit 15 and GOPAX 23, with each of the latter three removing three tokens because of hacking concerns.
Layer 2 blockchain project Taiko (CRYPTO:TAIKO) recently lost more than US$1 million in a cyberattack, prompting Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone and Korbit to suspend deposits and withdrawals and designate the token as a cautionary trading asset.
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service launched a special investigation into cryptocurrency market manipulation earlier this year, identifying so-called "basket pumping" schemes involving restricted tokens as one of its enforcement priorities.
Under South Korean law, individuals found guilty of cryptocurrency price manipulation through abnormal trading can face prison sentences of at least one year or fines ranging from three to five times the profits generated from the misconduct.
