Social Engineering Becomes the Primary Threat Against Cryptos

Crypto-related losses surpassed the $2.5 billion mark in 2025, marking a turning point in the methods used by cybercriminals. Now, social engineering is established as the preferred technique to steal funds, according to a recent industry report.

Social engineering, a formidable weapon against crypto holders

A recently published report reveals that social engineering will dominate crypto attacks in 2025. Unlike technical exploits targeting protocol vulnerabilities, this approach relies on psychological manipulation of users. 

Cybercriminals deploy sophisticated strategies: fake websites mimicking legitimate platforms, ultra-targeted phishing campaigns, and identity theft of influential figures in the sector.

The numbers speak for themselves. With $2.5 billion stolen, 2025 promises to be a record year in terms of losses. This escalation is explained by the professionalization of criminal groups who meticulously study their targets before acting. They exploit investors’ trust, greed, or ignorance to obtain private keys or credentials.

The DeFi sector proves particularly vulnerable. Decentralized protocols, often complex for novices, provide fertile ground for scams. A simple click on a fraudulent link can compromise an entire wallet. “Blockchain technology is secure, but the human remains the weak link,” cybersecurity experts observe.

A threat evolving faster than defenses

The rapid adaptation of cybercriminals poses a major challenge to exchanges and DeFi protocols. 

While the industry invests heavily in technical security — smart contract audits, bug bounty programs, decentralized insurance — it often neglects user training. This asymmetry creates a gaping hole that attackers exploit methodically.

Regulators are becoming aware of the problem. In France, the AMF has issued multiple warnings against scams targeting retail investors. However, regulation struggles to keep pace with the innovation of criminals operating from obscure jurisdictions. 

Centralized exchanges like Binance or Coinbase reinforce their verification mechanisms, but users of decentralized platforms remain largely exposed.

Faced with this growing threat, education becomes crucial. Institutional players accumulating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve — like Strategy or some U.S. states — deploy sophisticated security protocols. 

However, retail investors must develop vigilance: systematic URL verification, enabling two-factor authentication, skepticism toward promises of dazzling returns.

The year 2025 marks a turning point in the cyber threat facing cryptos. Social engineering, fearsomely effective, surpasses traditional technical attacks and generates colossal losses. This evolution requires a coordinated response combining technology, regulation, and especially user education to protect the crypto ecosystem.