Phishing, Deepfakes to Dominate Crypto Hacks by 2026: CertiK - MEXC
MEXCArchived Apr 26, 2026✓ Full text saved
Phishing, Deepfakes to Dominate Crypto Hacks by 2026: CertiK MEXC
Full text archived locally
✦ AI Summary· Claude Sonnet
Buy Crypto
Markets
Spot
Futures
GOLD
Earn
Event Center
More
OIL
ORCA
SILVER(XAG)
GOLD(XAUT)
AMD
INTC
OIL
ORCA
SILVER(XAG)
GOLD(XAUT)
AMD
INTC
OIL
Log In
Sign Up
Phishing, Deepfakes to Dominate Crypto Hacks by 2026: CertiK
Author: BlockChain News
Source: BlockChain News
2026/04/23 01:14
3 min read
Share
MAJOR
$0.06247
-1.69%
CROSS
$0.11956
-7.51%
FUEL
$0.00094
+1.07%
For feedback or concerns regarding this content, please contact us at crypto.news@mexc.com
Phishing, Deepfakes to Dominate Crypto Hacks by 2026: CertiK
Tony Kim Apr 23, 2026 05:14
CertiK predicts deepfakes, phishing, and cross-chain vulnerabilities will fuel major crypto hacks in 2026, with AI both aiding and combating threats.
Phishing attacks, real-time deepfakes, and vulnerabilities in cross-chain protocols are expected to drive the most significant crypto hacks in 2026, according to CertiK senior investigator Natalie Newson. These threats are already making their presence felt, with over $600 million stolen in the first four months of the year.
Two of the largest incidents so far in 2026 were linked to North Korean hackers. The $293 million exploit of the Kelp DAO via LayerZero’s cross-chain messaging protocol and a $280 million attack on Drift Protocol demonstrate how sophisticated attackers are targeting weak points in blockchain infrastructure. Meanwhile, Zerion, a crypto wallet provider, revealed on April 15 that hackers used AI-enabled social engineering to steal $100,000 from its hot wallets.
Newson warns that AI is amplifying the scale and speed of these attacks, with tools now capable of generating convincing deepfakes and autonomously scanning smart contracts for exploitable vulnerabilities. "The acceleration of AI in some aspects will only worsen crypto attacks," she said.
Phishing Remains a Key Entry Point
Phishing attacks remain a core strategy for crypto hackers, with losses from phishing skyrocketing 200% year-over-year by early 2026. These attacks often involve malicious links, fake crypto platforms, or impersonation of prominent figures and organizations to deceive victims. A single phishing incident involving 'address poisoning' in January 2026 resulted in a $12.25 million loss.
CertiK’s analysis indicates that supply chain attacks have also become a critical issue, accounting for $1.45 billion in losses during 2025. The Bybit hack, which cost $1.4 billion in February 2025, highlights how attackers are targeting infrastructure providers to maximize damage.
AI: Double-Edged Sword
While AI is being used offensively, it also holds potential for defense. According to CertiK, AI-powered tools are increasingly deployed to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. For example, Anthropic’s AI model, Claude Mythos, has been used to scan systems for bugs and assist in defensive cybersecurity measures.
Bug bounty programs have also seen a surge in submissions—both valid and invalid—due to advancements in AI. These programs are becoming essential for identifying and patching vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Protecting Against the Next Wave
Newson advises retail investors to take proactive steps such as verifying URLs, avoiding suspicious links, and using cold wallets to store assets. Cold wallets, which isolate private keys from internet access, significantly reduce the risk of theft. "The best way for investors to protect themselves is to stay aware of threats and adopt secure storage practices," she said.
Regulators are also ramping up efforts to combat escalating threats. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP) announced in April 2026 that it would expand its threat identification program to include digital asset companies.
Looking Ahead
With the average size of crypto hacks reaching $19.5 million in 2025, the industry faces mounting challenges to secure its infrastructure. As attackers leverage AI and other advanced tools, the need for robust defensive measures, both technological and regulatory, will only grow. For investors, staying informed and adopting best practices remains critical as the ecosystem evolves.
Image source: Shutterstock
crypto hacks
phishing
deepfakes
certik
blockchain security
Market Opportunity
Major Price(MAJOR)
$0.06247
-0.39%
1D
7D
1M
3M
1Y
YTD
ALL
USD - $
Buy MAJOR Now
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact crypto.news@mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.
You May Also Like
Vietnam Launches First Regulated Crypto Exchange Pilot in Q2 2026
The post Vietnam Launches First Regulated Crypto Exchange Pilot in Q2 2026 appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. TLDR: Vietnam ranks fourth globally in crypto adoption
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/04/26 10:08
Share
Why The Green Bay Packers Must Take The Cleveland Browns Seriously — As Hard As That Might Be
The post Why The Green Bay Packers Must Take The Cleveland Browns Seriously — As Hard As That Might Be appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers are off to a 2-0 start. Getty Images The Green Bay Packers are, once again, one of the NFL’s better teams. The Cleveland Browns are, once again, one of the league’s doormats. It’s why unbeaten Green Bay (2-0) is a 8-point favorite at winless Cleveland (0-2) Sunday according to betmgm.com. The money line is also Green Bay -500. Most expect this to be a Packers’ rout, and it very well could be. But Green Bay knows taking anyone in this league for granted can prove costly. “I think if you look at their roster, the paper, who they have on that team, what they can do, they got a lot of talent and things can turn around quickly for them,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. “We just got to kind of keep that in mind and know we not just walking into something and they just going to lay down. That’s not what they going to do.” The Browns certainly haven’t laid down on defense. Far from. Cleveland is allowing an NFL-best 191.5 yards per game. The Browns gave up 141 yards to Cincinnati in Week 1, including just seven in the second half, but still lost, 17-16. Cleveland has given up an NFL-best 45.5 rushing yards per game and just 2.1 rushing yards per attempt. “The biggest thing is our defensive line is much, much improved over last year and I think we’ve got back to our personality,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said recently. “When we play our best, our D-line leads us there as our engine.” The Browns rank third in the league in passing defense, allowing just 146.0 yards per game. Cleveland has also gone 30 straight games without allowing a 300-yard passer, the longest active streak in the NFL.…
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/17 12:41
Share
Gold Price Stages Resilient Recovery, Nears $4,650 Amid Market Uncertainty
BitcoinWorld Gold Price Stages Resilient Recovery, Nears $4,650 Amid Market Uncertainty Global gold markets demonstrated remarkable resilience on Thursday, with
bitcoinworld2026/04/02 05:25
Share
Trending News
More
White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting (Live Updates): Suspect Targeted Trump Officials, DOJ Believes
Sabrina Carpenter’s Career-Making Hits Become Global Smashes Again
Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Tests Major Resistance
Crypto Market Update: Investors Monitor These 3 Low-Cost Cryptocurrencies
US-Iran nuclear deal talks falter as April 30 deadline nears
24/7 Live News
More
CryptoPunks floor price exceeds 30 ETH, indicating strong market demand for digital collectibles.
Author: DEGEN NEWS
11:05
Iran's diplomatic efforts aim to end conflict and reduce tensions, potentially impacting geopolitical factors.
Author: Rockerfeller
10:12
Bitcoin breaks 3-day falling wedge, signaling potential market shift.
Author: CRYPTO THRO
10:05
Michael Saylor plans significant Bitcoin purchase, indicating potential market activity and institutional interest.
Author: Vivek Sen
09:10
XAUH token represents 1g Swiss gold, first native gold token on TON, offering on-chain real value.
Author: Paxton
08:21
Quick Reads
More
BEEG Price Prediction 2026: Has the Whale Already Beached — Or Is the Biggest Wave Still Coming?
BEEG 2026 Deep Dive: Are Whales Quietly Accumulating?
XRP ETFs Just Broke Their Longest Win Streak of 2026 — Here's What the Numbers Really Mean
DOGE Bulls Eye a Key Breakout — Is $0.126 the Next Stop?
What is Peace Frog (PEACE)? An Introduction to Cryptocurrency
Crypto Prices
Bitcoin
BTC
$78,038.69
-0.01%
Ethereum
ETH
$2,346.45
-0.04%
Solana
SOL
$86.52
-0.05%
USDCoin
USDC
$0.9996
-0.01%
Bitcoin
BTC
$78,075.69
-0.01%
Community
Download App
Scan to Download App
About
About MEXC
Why MEXC
Proof of Trust
MEXC Verify
MEXC Transparency Hub
MEXC Community
MEXC Event Map
MEXC Ventures
MEXC Foundation
Contact Us
Products
MEXC 0 Fees
Spot
Futures
DEX+
Buy Crypto
P2P
Convert
Pre-Market
DCA
Copy Trade
Demo Trading
Earn
Loans
Trading Fees
MEXC AI
Partnerships
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
P2P Merchant Program
Listing Application
Institutional Services
API Services
Partner Links
Resources
Help Center
Live Support
Submit a Ticket
Announcement Center
Learn
MEXC Blog
Crypto News
All Crypto Prices
How to Buy
Crypto Converter
Give Feedback
Sitemap
Legal & Compliance
User Agreement
Privacy Policy
Risk Disclosure
Report Abnormal Funds
Judicial Assistance