SlowMist Annual Security Report: Security Incidents Throughout the Year Caused Approximately $2.935 Billion in Losses

December 30th — Per data from SlowMist Blockchain, there were 200 security incidents across the year, leading to roughly $2.935 billion in losses. Compared to 2024 (410 incidents, ~$2.013 billion in losses), while incident numbers dropped sharply, losses rose by about 46% year-over-year. ### Ecosystem Distribution Ethereum remains the most frequently targeted and hardest-hit ecosystem, with annual losses of ~$254 million—far ahead of other chains. BSC follows closely, with related losses of ~$21.93 million; Solana ranks third, at ~$17.45 million. ### Project Tracks DeFi projects are the top target: In 2025, 126 incidents (63% of the year’s total) led to ~$649 million in losses—down 37% from 2024 (339 incidents, $1.029 billion). Exchange platforms saw only 12 incidents but incurred a massive $18.09 billion in losses; Bybit alone lost ~$14.6 billion in one breach, the year’s most severe. ### Attack Causes Contract vulnerabilities were the main driver (61 incidents); X account hacks followed closely, with 48 total. ### AI’s Role in Attacks The report notes generative AI’s growing popularity over the past two years has let attackers integrate it into fraud/attack chains. AI’s text, speech synthesis, image, and video capabilities have drastically cut fraud costs—replacing crude scripts/obvious red flags with realistic content, coherent interactions, and precise targeting, making risks harder for victims to detect psychologically.