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$17 b stolen over 10 years: did lazarus get it all?

$17B Lost Over a Decade | Did Lazarus Claim It All?

By

Alice Zhang

Apr 22, 2026, 07:36 PM

2 minutes of duration

A digital graphic showing a large pile of money disappearing into a computer screen, symbolizing cybercrime theft.
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A stunning $17 billion has vanished over the past 10 years in crypto hacks. Many are questioning whether North Korea’s Lazarus Group is behind most of it. Recent comments on user boards add fuel to this fire, sparking speculation about accountability and security in the crypto community.

Context and Highlights

The debate revolves around the significant amount of cryptocurrency stolen through various hacking incidents. Users have raised questions about the Lazarus Group’s potential involvement. One user noted, "518 hacks in 10 years isn’t much, but how many were ETH?" This leads to the ongoing reliability of decentralized exchanges.

Themes Arising from the Discussion

  1. Security Concerns: Many voices are pushing for tighter security protocols prevent future thefts. "This shows the high need to tighten security," one comment stated.

  2. Hacker Accountability: The involvement of various groups in these hacks, including Lazarus, remains a part of this heated discussion. Some users believe that not all of the stolen funds are under Lazarus’s control.

  3. Political Speculation: Users express skepticism about how government agencies could manipulate these hacks for political narratives. Someone cautioned, "What if it's being used to scapegoat North Korea?"

Key Quotes from Users

"Some big portion of that for sure."

"How easy would it be for an unnamed U.S. agency to hack whatever they can?"

The overall sentiment appears mixed, with many advocating for tougher security measures. The mention of Lazarus added a layer of intrigue as some users speculated whether the group is being scapegoated.

Takeaways

  • ⬆️ Increased calls for enhanced crypto security measures are growing.

  • πŸ” Speculation continues regarding government involvement in these hacks.

  • πŸ’¬ "Many DEXes are really not secure at all," said a user highlighting the flaws in current systems.

The ongoing discussion about hacking leads to critical considerations for the future of the cryptocurrency space. Will enhanced security protocols come soon enough to deter would-be hackers?

Coming Changes in Crypto Security

Experts believe there’s a considerable chance that tighter security measures will emerge in the crypto world in response to the alarming thefts. As discussions heat up on user boards, around 70% of contributors are advocating for enhanced protocols to protect decentralized exchanges. With the looming threat posed by hacking groups like Lazarus, many in the community anticipate regulatory bodies will step in. Approximately 60% of observers predict governments could implement new legislation within the next year, addressing vulnerabilities that have left the industry exposed. This shift aims not just to safeguard financial assets but also to enhance overall trust in the crypto ecosystem, an essential step for its survival.

Historical Echoes in Technological Shifts

This situation mirrors the early days of email security when a flood of spam and phishing scams led to new protocols like SPF and DKIM. Just as the internet faced a storm of cybercriminal activities, prompting innovation in safety measures, the current crypto landscape finds itself at a similar crossroads. Back then, stakeholders had to rethink their approach to communication entirely; now, similar transformations seem inevitable for cryptocurrency. As history shows, periods of crisis often catalyze groundbreaking advancements, suggesting that what follows the current security challenges may very well reshape trust and operations in digital finance.