The first half of 2025 has proven to be a difficult period for the blockchain industry, marked by significant financial losses and a rise in fraudulent schemes.
Losses in the Blockchain Industry
According to SlowMist's report, the blockchain industry lost approximately $2.37 billion due to 121 security incidents in the first half of 2025. This marks an almost 66% increase in financial losses compared to the same period in 2024, despite a decline in the number of incidents.
Fraud Trends
SlowMist's report highlights that DeFi continues to be the most targeted sector, accounting for 76.03% of all incidents and approximately $470 million in losses. Additionally, centralized exchanges (CEX) experienced $1.883 billion in losses from just 11 incidents.
Types of Attacks and Fraud Schemes
In the first half of 2025, various fraud tactics were observed, including:
- **Phishing Using EIP-7702**: Attackers exploited the EIP-7702 delegation mechanism for scams, leading to significant user losses.
- **Deepfakes**: Utilization of generative AI to create deceptive videos, including impersonating known figures.
- **Malicious Browser Extensions**: Disguised as "Web3 security tools," leading to the installation of malware.
- **LinkedIn Recruitment Phishing**: Increase in phishing incidents on LinkedIn in 2025.
- **Social Engineering Attacks**: Cases of criminal groups manipulating user data for theft.
The state of the blockchain industry in the first half of 2025 reflects increasing risks and the need for improved security measures to protect users and platforms.
