North Korean hackers dominate crypto thefts with $577 million stolen in April 2026
Here's what it means for you.
The surge in crypto thefts highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the industry.
What happened
North Korean hackers stole about $577 million in two major crypto hacks in April 2026.
The Context
- The Drift Protocol hack on April 1 resulted in $285 million stolen.
- The KelpDAO bridge exploit on April 18 led to $292 million in losses.
- These two incidents represent only 3% of the total number of crypto incidents in 2026 but account for 76% of the stolen value.
Takeaway
The trend of high-value thefts by North Korean hackers suggests that the crypto industry must enhance security measures to mitigate such risks.
Bitcoin news, technical analysis, and forecasts across crypto markets.
"NewsBTC covers Bitcoin news, technical analysis, and forecasts across crypto markets and major blockchain projects."
— A47 Editor
April’s Crypto Carnage: North Korea Hit Twice And Snagged 76% Of 2026 Hack Value
In April 2026, North Korean hacking groups were responsible for approximately 76% of all cryptocurrency thefts, totaling around $577 million, primarily due to two significant incidents: the Drift Protocol hack on April 1, which resulted in $285 milli...
Curated tech headlines including AI stories.
"Influential aggregator surfacing the day’s top tech/AI links."
— A47 Editor
North Korea-linked hackers stole ~$577M across the Drift Protocol and KelpDAO hacks in April, accounting for 76% of total crypto hack losses so far in 2026 (TRM Insights)
North Korean hackers have stolen approximately $577 million through two significant attacks on the Drift Protocol and KelpDAO in April 2026, accounting for 76% of total cryptocurrency hack losses this year. The attacks highlight the increasing sophis...
Global business headlines with AI angles.
"General business outlet that frequently covers AI."
— A47 Editor
North Korea Linked To More Than Three Quarters Of All Crypto Losses In 2026; Two Hacks Drain $577M
North Korean hackers have been linked to over three-quarters of all cryptocurrency losses in 2026, with two significant hacks resulting in a total theft of $577 million. These attacks highlight the increasing sophistication and frequency of cybercrim...
Real-time updates, analysis, and reports on the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.
"Crypto News delivers real-time updates, analysis, and reports on the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors."
— A47 Editor
TRM Labs: North Korea-linked hackers drive 76% of 2026 crypto thefts
A report from TRM Labs indicates that North Korea-linked hackers have been responsible for approximately $577 million in cryptocurrency thefts in 2026, accounting for 76% of all crypto hack losses. This surge in thefts has been largely driven by sign...
Covers blockchain, cryptocurrency news, project analysis, and market insights.
"CoinDesk is a well-established cryptocurrency and blockchain news provider, offering comprehensive insights, market data, and industry research."
— A47 Editor
The long con: How North Korean spies spent months in-person to drain $285 million from Drift
North Korean state-sponsored hackers, specifically the Lazarus Group, have reportedly drained $285 million from the Drift Protocol, a decentralized finance platform, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber threats in the cryptocurrency se...