Over $280M stolen in multiple crypto platform hacks linked to North Korean actors in April 2026

In April 2026, at least 12 cryptocurrency platforms suffered major security breaches following the $280 million Drift Protocol hack. Attackers exploited vulnerabilities and used social engineering, with investigations pointing to North Korean-affiliated groups using AI and credential theft. Notable losses include $7.6 million from Rhea Finance and $15 million from Grinex, with total DeFi losses exceeding $168.6 million in Q1 2026. These incidents highlight ongoing risks in crypto security and the need for stronger protections.