In 2025, the crypto world has already shaken: funds stolen from crypto platforms have soared past $2.17 billion year-to-date, led by the $1.5 billion ByBit hack, the largest single breach in crypto history.  At the same time, ransomware attacks against hospitals, governments, and schools continue to dominate headlines, with nearly every ransom demanded in cryptocurrency. Chainalysis reported that 97.8% of tracked ransomware payments last year were made in crypto a figure that underscores how digital assets have become the lifeblood of this criminal industry.