If there’s one thing the crypto space is consistent at, it’s losing money. In just the first half of 2025, the industry has already seen over $3.1 billion stolen through hacks, exploits, and scams. That’s not just bad luck, it’s a recurring problem that keeps holding Web3 back.
And here’s the kicker: most of these losses could have been prevented. Weak smart contract controls, sloppy wallet management, and rushed launches keep giving bad actors the upper hand. At People Over Profits, we’re cutting through the excuses to show you what’s really happening and how to protect yourself.
The State of Crypto Security in 2025
Security breaches in crypto aren’t slowing down. From bridge exploits to DeFi rug pulls, attackers are finding creative ways to drain liquidity. The leading culprit this year? Access-control failures, simple coding and permission errors that let hackers slip in through the back door.
But it’s not just developers at fault. Everyday users fall prey to phishing links, fake airdrops, and wallet drainers disguised as legit apps. The result? Billions gone and trust eroded.
The Bull, Base, and Bear View of Security
Security may not sound as flashy as AI tokens or memecoins, but it’s the narrative that determines whether Web3 grows or stalls.
1. Bull Case: The bull case of web 3 secuirty will involve stronger audits, better education, and insurance solutions build for user confidence. Security becomes a selling point for projects.
2. Base Case: On the base case, hacks continue but most major protocols adopt minimum security standards to reduce big blowouts.
3. Bear Case: The bear case would lead to a catastrophic exploit wipes out of billions, triggering regulatory crackdowns and slowing mainstream adoption.
Why This Matters to You
Crypto isn’t just about chasing the next 100x coin, it’s about protecting the gains you’ve already made. Imagine turning $1,000 into $10,000, only to lose it all because you clicked the wrong link. That’s the reality thousands of investors face every year.
15-Minute Hardening Guide for You
Improving your security doesn’t require being a developer. In 15 minutes, you can protect yourself better than 90% of users. Follow the guide below to stay safe.
1. Use a hardware wallet for storing long-term holdings.
2. Use separate wallets. One for trading, one for savings, and one for testing new dApps.
3. Always double-check approvals. Use tools like revoke.cash to remove risky permissions.
4. Beware of links. if it came from X (Twitter) DMs or Telegram, assume it’s fake.
5. Enable 2FA on exchanges and email accounts linked to your crypto.
What Builders Must Do
For founders and dev teams, the message is simple: security-first, not afterthought. That means third-party audits, bug bounty programs, transparent documentation, and practicing safe upgrade processes. Cutting corners might save time at launch, but one exploit can erase years of progress.
The Bottom Line
Crypto lost $3.1 billion in 2025 already and we’re not even done with the year. If Web3 is going to move from hype cycles to real adoption, security has to be the foundation.
At People Over Profits, we’ll keep saying it: hype will make you money fast, but security and fundamentals will keep you wealthy.
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