Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoreNews is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoreNews on whether to sell, buy or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk.
CryptoreNews covers fintech, blockchain and Bitcoin bringing you the latest crypto news and analyses on the future of money.
Phishing and deepfakes identified as primary tools used by hackers in 2026., 2026/04/23 13:52:20
Real-time deepfakes, phishing, and supply chain attacks are expected to be the main causes of hacking incidents this year, according to Natalie Newson, a senior analyst at the cybersecurity firm CertiK.
Related Posts
The expert highlighted that the primary method for safeguarding investors and crypto projects is “basic cyber hygiene.”
“The most effective way to protect oneself is to be aware of the threats one may encounter. For instance, to guard against phishing, it is essential to always verify the authenticity of URLs and smart contracts,” stated Natalie Newson.
She noted that as attack methods become more sophisticated, investors should reconsider their asset storage strategies and explore options beyond centralized platforms.
“Utilizing cold wallets can help secure assets that are not frequently used and allow for transaction signing without exposing private keys,” added the CertiK specialist.
Newson also emphasized that advancements in artificial intelligence simultaneously enhance both defensive tools and the capabilities of malicious actors. There has been an increase in convincing deepfakes and AI agents capable of autonomously scanning smart contracts for vulnerabilities, developing exploit code, and executing attacks at machine speed.
The total losses in the crypto industry due to malicious activities reached $3.3 billion by the end of 2025, as calculated by CertiK. The most destructive threat was supply chain attacks, which accounted for approximately $1.45 billion in losses from just two incidents, including the hack of the Bybit exchange in February of last year. This breach illustrates that well-funded and coordinated hacker groups are becoming increasingly active across the global crypto ecosystem, the analyst stated.
CertiK anticipates a continued increase in the complexity of supply chain attacks, as malicious actors increasingly target infrastructure providers.
Recently, the cryptocurrency protocol Volo, a platform for BTCFi and liquid staking on the Sui Network, reported an attack that resulted in the theft of nearly $3.5 million from three wallets. Among the affected assets were WBTC, XAUm, and USDC.
