Crypto Security Under Siege: April 2026 Hacks Shake Bitcoin and Ethereum

Summary

• Crypto hacks reached a record high in April 2026, sparking widespread market fear and impacting Bitcoin and Ethereum sentiment.
• Arbitrum DAO is voting to deploy or return 30,766 ETH ($70M-$72M) frozen after the Kelp DAO hack, aiming to stabilize the DeFi ecosystem.
• Bitcoin hit $79K by April 30, 2026, despite the security crisis, reflecting a mixed market response.

In April 2026, hackers hit the crypto industry with an unprecedented wave of attacks that set a record for breaches and shook investor confidence. Reports from Crypto Briefing show these incidents triggered market fear, yet Bitcoin still climbed to $79K by April 30. Hacks exposed key flaws in centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols, raising alarms for everyone involved.

They hit hard.

The crypto industry has fought security threats for years, but April 2026 marked a turning point. Hacks targeted centralized platforms and DeFi protocols, using flaws in smart contracts, bridges, and social engineering tricks. Adoption of Bitcoin and Ethereum has soared, so the risks are bigger than ever.

This perfect storm came from advanced hacking methods and a flood of untested DeFi projects. The decentralized setup is a strength, but it leaves projects open since no one enforces security rules. Now, losses are at record levels and trust is crumbling.

Hacks in April 2026 were massive, hitting platforms and protocols across the board. As Crypto Briefing noted, they hurt sentiment for Bitcoin and Ethereum, the top cryptocurrencies by market value. Even with the mess, Bitcoin's price hit $79K on April 30, hinting at investor resilience.

One big case involved Kelp DAO, where a hack led to freezing 30,766 ETH on April 21, 2026. Arbitrum DAO started a vote to return the funds or use them to steady the DeFi world, as CryptoRank and Coinpedia explained. The funds are worth $70M to $72M, but creditor disputes have complicated things, with some questioning ownership per Cube Exchange.

It doesn't stop there.

Coinbase revealed a breach from May 15, 2025, involving bribed agents, according to KRP2. Though it happened earlier, it's back in the spotlight and adds to worries about exchange safety. These events show the industry is fighting threats on all sides.

The crypto community reacted to the April 2026 hacks with alarm and quick action. Bitcoin and Ethereum sentiment dropped as investors worried about their assets, though Bitcoin's price held at $79K. People on forums and social media demanded better security and more openness from protocols and exchanges.

Arbitrum DAO's vote on the frozen ETH has divided the DeFi crowd. Some view it as a way to rebuild trust and fix the ecosystem, while others fear it sets a bad example amid creditor fights from Cube Exchange. This split shows the wider uncertainty in the industry.

"Crypto hacks hit a record high in April 2026, causing market fear; Bitcoin reaching $79K by April 30 at 0.7% YES."

, Crypto Briefing (Crypto Briefing)

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The crypto industry must make key choices after the April 2026 hacks.

Arbitrum DAO's vote on the 30,766 ETH will shape future recoveries, and talks about exchange security, fueled by events like Coinbase's breach, need immediate fixes. Watch for new security ideas, regulations, and market changes as Bitcoin and Ethereum weather the storm. Stakeholders will see if these steps restore faith or expose ongoing problems.