Simon Ng Certik Study Reveals $332 Million Lost to Exploits, Hacks, and Scams in September; Accumulated Losses in 2023 Surpass $1.3 Billion
In the month of September, the cryptocurrency landscape witnessed a staggering loss of approximately $332 million in digital assets, a result of various illicit activities such as flash loan attacks, exit scams, and exploits. Notably, the value of assets pilfered through exploits soared from a relatively modest $13.5 million in August to an alarming $329.8 million in September.
The most significant incident in September, as reported by cybersecurity firm Certik, was the breach suffered by Mixin Network, resulting in a substantial loss of $200 million on September 23rd. Notably, the Mixin network team made an unusual plea to the attackers, offering them a bug bounty reward in exchange for the return of the remaining user funds.
Preceding this incident, cryptocurrency exchange platform Coinex Global experienced an exploit that led to the theft of digital assets valued at $54 million. Initial investigations pointed towards a potential compromise of private keys, facilitating the unauthorized movement of funds from the platform’s hot wallets. It’s worth noting that in August, the total losses due to exploits amounted to a mere $13.5 million.
Interestingly, unlike the previous month, where exit scams accounted for over $26 million of the nearly $46 million in losses, September saw a substantial decline, with exit scams only contributing $1.9 million to the overall losses. Similarly, the data indicates a notable reduction in losses attributed to flash loan attacks, dropping from $6.4 million in August to a mere $0.4 million in September.
Certik’s data reveals that the cumulative value of funds drained from digital asset platforms in 2023 has now exceeded a staggering $1.3 billion. This marks a significant escalation from August, when the figure stood just shy of the billion-dollar mark.
In light of these developments, the cryptocurrency industry faces mounting challenges in safeguarding digital assets against the relentless wave of exploits, hacks, and scams. The need for heightened security measures and regulatory oversight has become increasingly evident as the losses continue to escalate.
Feel free to share your insights on this compelling story in the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cryptocurrency Security
What were the main causes of the $332 million in losses in September?
The primary causes of the $332 million in losses in September were exploits, exit scams, and flash loan attacks. Exploits accounted for the majority, with over 98% of the total losses, amounting to $329.8 million. Exit scams and flash loan attacks contributed less, with losses of less than $2.4 million combined.
Can you provide more details about the significant exploit mentioned in September?
Certainly. The most significant exploit in September involved the Mixin Network, which suffered a breach resulting in a loss of $200 million on September 23rd. Following the incident, the Mixin network team made an unusual offer to the attackers, proposing a bug bounty reward in exchange for returning the remaining user funds.
What other notable exploits occurred in September?
Another notable exploit in September was on the cryptocurrency exchange platform Coinex Global, where digital assets worth $54 million were stolen. Preliminary investigations suggested a potential compromise of private keys, enabling the criminals to move funds from the platform’s hot wallets.
How did the losses in September compare to previous months?
In August, the total losses due to exploits were significantly lower, totaling only $13.5 million. September saw a substantial increase, with losses due to exploits soaring to $329.8 million. However, losses attributed to exit scams decreased from over $26 million in August to $1.9 million in September. Similarly, losses from flash loan attacks dropped from $6.4 million in August to $0.4 million in September.
What is the cumulative value of funds lost from digital asset platforms in 2023?
Certik’s data indicates that the cumulative value of funds siphoned from digital asset platforms in 2023 has exceeded $1.3 billion. This is a significant increase from August when the total stood at just under one billion dollars.
What challenges does the cryptocurrency industry face in light of these losses?
The cryptocurrency industry is grappling with the challenge of securing digital assets against the relentless wave of exploits, hacks, and scams. There is a growing need for heightened security measures and regulatory oversight to protect investors and ensure the integrity of digital asset markets.
More about Cryptocurrency Security
- Certik
- Mixin Network
- Coinex Global
- Cryptocurrency Security Measures
- Regulatory Oversight in Cryptocurrency
- Crypto News
5 comments
wow, that’s a lotta money lost! crazy exploits, scams, and stuff, need better security.
Flash loans losses down, that’s good news, but still, gotta be careful out there!
Mixin Network hack was big, bug bounty idea? interesting!
Cryptos always risky, gotta watch out for those exit scams!
$1.3 billion total losses this year? insane! regulators, do something!