The first half of 2026 was marked by paradoxical dynamics in the security landscape of the crypto industry. The number of recorded hacks reached a record 207 cases, yet total losses decreased to $972 million. This is a significant reduction compared to 2025 figures, indicating a gradual increase in the ecosystem's resilience to attacks.
DeFi Sector Shows Impressive Loss Reduction
Progress is particularly notable in the decentralized finance (DeFi) segment. Losses here fell by 74% from the 2022 peak of $2.62 billion, now down to $680.3 million. Key factors driving this improvement include the widespread adoption of bug bounty programs, enhanced audit quality, and a growing number of qualified security professionals.
Shift in Threat Vector: From Smart Contracts to Infrastructure
Analysis of incidents reveals a clear shift in attackers' tactics. Major risks are no longer solely tied to smart contract vulnerabilities. Infrastructure failures, private key compromises, and errors in cross-chain configurations are now taking center stage. This indicates that hackers are adapting to improved code security and moving toward attacks on more complex and less protected elements.
Despite the positive trend of decreasing average losses per hack, the record number of incidents underscores that security in the cryptocurrency space remains a critical issue. Market participants must prioritize not only smart contract audits but also the protection of private keys, as well as the careful configuration of cross-chain bridges and infrastructure solutions.