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Crypto exploit losses fell 90% in May to $68M

Created at 1 Jun · 7:11 AM4 sources↑ Market-relevant3 events
IN SHORT

Crypto exploit losses decreased by 90% in May to $68.3 million, down from $650 million in April. This marks the third month of 2026 with losses under $100 million. Code vulnerabilities were responsible for 66% of losses, with cross-chain bridges accounting for 42%. Approximately $9.4 million was recovered.

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Key Numbers

$68.3 millioncrypto exploit losses in May
$650 millioncrypto exploit losses in April
90%decrease in crypto exploit losses from April to May
3months in 2026 with crypto losses under $100 million
$11.5 millionlargest single exploit loss in May (Verus Protocol)
$2.6 millionstolen via phishing attacks in May
$9.4 millionrecovered or returned crypto in May
42%total monthly losses from cross-chain bridges
66%total losses attributed to code vulnerabilities

Who's Involved

CertiK
blockchain security firm reporting on exploit losses
Verus Protocol
victim of an $11.5 million cross-chain bridge exploit
THORChain
victim of a $10.1 million exploit
Crypto exploit losses fell 90% in May to $68M

↳ Why This Matters

While the cryptocurrency market has seen significant growth, it has also been plagued by numerous security breaches and exploits. These incidents can lead to substantial financial losses for investors and users, impacting confidence in the ecosystem. Tracking these losses helps to understand the evolving security landscape and the effectiveness of preventative measures.

Key facts

  • Total crypto exploit losses in May were $68.3 million.
  • This represents a 90% decrease from April's losses of $650 million.
  • May was the third month in 2026 with crypto losses under $100 million.
  • Code vulnerabilities accounted for approximately 66% of all losses.
  • Cross-chain bridges accounted for 42% of total monthly losses.
  • Approximately $9.4 million of stolen crypto was recovered or returned in May.

While the cryptocurrency market has seen significant growth, it has also been plagued by numerous security breaches and exploits. These incidents can lead to substantial financial losses for investors and users, impacting confidence in the ecosystem. Tracking these losses helps to understand the evolving security landscape and the effectiveness of preventative measures.

Frequently asked questions

Total crypto exploit losses in May were $68.3 million.

May's losses were down 90% from April's $650 million.

Code vulnerabilities accounted for about 66% of losses, and cross-chain bridges were the most targeted category, making up 42% of total monthly losses.

Yes, approximately $9.4 million of stolen funds were recovered or returned in May.

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Cadence

How It Developed

1 Jun · 7:47 AM
The article details May 2026 crypto exploit losses of $68.3M, down 90% from April, with Verus Protocol's bridge exploit being the largest single incident.
CoinCentral via PiQSuite
1 Jun · 6:40 AM
Crypto exploit losses in May fell 90% to $68.3 million, marking the third month under $100 million in 2026.
CoinTelegraph via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
Crypto exploit losses in May fall 90% over month to $68M: CertiKm.piqsuite.com
T1
Crypto Exploit Losses Drop to $68.3 Million in May 2026, Down 90% From Aprilm.piqsuite.com
T1
Crypto Exploit Losses Reach $68 Million In May Despite Limited Phishing Damagem.piqsuite.com
T1
Crypto Hackers Stole $68 Million In May — But The Attacks Getting No Headlines Are Far More Terrifyingm.piqsuite.com

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