Category: Computers

  • AMD Ryzen AI+ Max 395 Mini-PC Launches with Liquid Cooling Design

    AMD Ryzen AI+ Max 395 Mini-PC Launches with Liquid Cooling Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. Abee has launched a new mini-PC called the AI Station, featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI+ Max 395 APU with 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU.
    2. The AI Station supports up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and offers both 2.5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections.
    3. It utilizes a proprietary liquid cooling system with two 92 mm fans and a custom radiator to enhance cooling performance.
    4. The mini-PC includes a unique internal 400 W Flex ATX power supply, allowing for a single cable connection to a power outlet.
    5. Pricing and release dates for the AI Station are not yet announced, and it’s unclear if it will be available globally.


    A new mini-PC based on the Strix Halo has been announced, featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI+ Max 395 APU. Abee, a company under WPG Holdings, has introduced what they are calling the AI Station. Abee is mainly recognized for its production of PC cases and liquid cooling systems.

    Specifications and Performance

    Competing with products like the GMKtec EVO-X2, which is currently priced at $1,499 on Amazon, the Ryzen AI+ Max 395 equips the Abee AI Station with 16 Zen 5 CPU cores that can achieve speeds of up to 5.1 GHz. It also has 32 threads and comes with a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, featuring 40 RDNA 3+ Compute Units. According to the picture below, Abee plans to provide the AI Station with as much as 128 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, along with support for both 2.5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections.

    Cooling Solution

    While these specs might not seem groundbreaking, the Abee AI Station could manage to keep the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 cooler than many competitors because of its proprietary liquid cooling system. Although comprehensive details about this cooling method are not yet available, Abee asserts that they have integrated two 92 mm fans in conjunction with a custom radiator to enhance cooling performance.

    Power Supply and Availability

    Additionally, the Abee AI Station includes an internal 400 W Flex ATX power supply (PSU), which sets it apart from many similar devices. This means that the Abee AI Station will only need a single cable to connect to a power outlet, eliminating the need for a bulky PSU. However, pricing and release dates are still yet to be announced, and it’s also uncertain if Abee intends to distribute the AI Station on a global scale.

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  • Orange Pi Nova: New SBC with 32GB RAM and Loongson Processor

    Orange Pi Nova: New SBC with 32GB RAM and Loongson Processor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Orange Pi is developing a new single-board computer called the Orange Pi Nova, featuring the Loongson 2K3000 chipset.
    2. The chipset includes 8 LA364E processor cores running at 2 GHz and an LG200 GPU supporting OpenCL and OpenGL standards.
    3. The Orange Pi Nova can achieve up to 6 TOPS of AI acceleration and supports 4K display output at 60 FPS.
    4. It will have a maximum of 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and various I/O options, including a 40-pin GPIO header and M.2 SSD slot.
    5. Pricing and release date for the Orange Pi Nova have not yet been announced.


    Orange Pi has shared a preview of a new single-board computer (SBC) that it is working on with Loongson. This announcement comes just a month after the release of the R2S, which is currently priced at $41.99 on Amazon. The new device, called the Orange Pi Nova, features the Loongson 2K3000 chipset, which includes 8 LA364E processor cores running at a speed of 2 GHz, along with an in-house LG200 GPU.

    Key Features of the Chipset

    The LG200 GPU supports OpenCL 1.1, OpenGL 3.3, and OpenCL ES 3.1. Additionally, this chipset can provide up to 6 TOPS of AI acceleration (in INT8 format) and allows the Orange Pi Nova to connect to an external display with a resolution of 4K at 60 FPS. The SBC is equipped with various I/O options, including a 40-pin GPIO header, two six-pin CAN headers, and an M.2 2280 SSD slot.

    RAM and Connectivity Options

    Orange Pi states that the Orange Pi Nova will come with a maximum of 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, utilizing eight 16-bit chips. The images released by the company showcase several ports, such as a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, USB Type-C, HDMI, and multiple USB Type-A ports. However, details about the pricing and release date are still not available at this time.

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  • Radxa Cubie A7A: Raspberry Pi 5 Alternative with 16GB RAM

    Radxa Cubie A7A: Raspberry Pi 5 Alternative with 16GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Radxa has introduced a new single-board computer (SBC) called the Cubie A7A, similar in design to the Raspberry Pi 5, priced at $96 on Amazon.
    2. The Cubie A7A features the Allwinner A733 chipset with two ARM Cortex-A76 cores, six Cortex-A55 cores, and one RISC-V E902 core.
    3. It includes a BXM-4-64 MC1 GPU, an optional NPU supporting 3 TOPS, and a VPU for 4K video encoding at 30 FPS.
    4. The board supports up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and offers various storage options, including eMMC, microSD, and UFS.
    5. The Cubie A7A measures 85 x 56 mm and includes a 40-pin GPIO header, PCIe 3.0 connector, HDMI 2.0b, USB Type-C, and four USB Type-A ports.


    A fresh single-board computer (SBC) from Radxa has been introduced, echoing the design of the Raspberry Pi 5, which is currently priced at $96 on Amazon. Radxa has not yet officially announced this product. However, the Linux Sunxi website has listed the Cubie A7A, providing schematics, images of the device, and a link to Radxa’s not-yet-active website.

    Specifications Overview

    Linux Sunxi has disclosed almost all the important details about the Cubie A7A. It is based on the Allwinner A733 chipset, which includes two ARM Cortex-A76 cores, six Cortex-A55 cores, and one RISC-V E902 core. The Allwinner A733 also comes with a BXM-4-64 MC1 GPU, an optional NPU supporting 3 TOPS, and a VPU that can encode video at 4K/30 FPS.

    Features and Connectivity

    The Cubie A7A provides up to 16 GB of LPDDR5-4800 MT/s RAM along with various storage options like eMMC, microSD, and UFS. As depicted in the images below, the board measures 85 x 56 mm and features a 40-pin GPIO header, a PCIe 3.0 FPC connector, HDMI 2.0b, USB Type-C, and four different USB Type-A ports. At this moment, the pricing and availability details are still unclear. More information on Radxa’s upcoming SBC can be accessed via the Linux Sunxi website.

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  • Lenovo and Laptop Brands Misuse Control Centers for Ads

    Lenovo and Laptop Brands Misuse Control Centers for Ads

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 gaming laptop features a powerful RTX 5070 Ti graphics card and a stunning OLED screen but has some outdated features.

    2. Lenovo laptops come with aggressive advertising and pre-installed trial applications, which are not unique to Lenovo but are particularly noticeable.

    3. The evolution of control centers, like Lenovo LegionSpace and Lenovo Vantage, allows companies to monitor user behavior while providing performance options.

    4. Lenovo’s pre-installed software includes various proprietary and third-party applications, often bombarding users with ads during setup.

    5. Data privacy concerns arise from Lenovo’s vague privacy policies, making it unclear what data is collected, leading many users to prefer opting out of data collection and advertisements.


    We want to focus on the well-built Lenovo Legion Pro 5 gaming laptop, which we’ve just reviewed. It features one of the fastest RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards in a 16-inch body that we’ve tested so far. We also want to highlight its stunning OLED screen. However, it does have some downsides, like a few outdated features.

    Ads on Lenovo Laptops

    An issue we’ve been noticing lately, especially when testing Lenovo laptops, are the ads for various products right on the devices. This isn’t something caused by Microsoft Windows, but instead stems from the manufacturers’ own software. These proprietary software applications are becoming more widespread and serve more than just one simple function.

    Not Just Lenovo

    Lenovo isn’t the only company doing this, but it seems to be especially aggressive with its advertising, pre-installed trial applications, and an increasing amount of proprietary software. Gathering user data and showing ads can create extra profits, which makes it easy to guess that other manufacturers might follow this trend unless regulations come in to protect consumers. The rise of AI is another factor leading to more proprietary software, which can be of varying usefulness.

    Evolution of Control Centers

    In the past, gaming laptop performance was mainly managed through power settings within Windows. Eventually, companies started creating their own software to provide extra performance options, like silent and turbo modes. This led to the development of control centers, which quickly became necessary for users to get the best out of their gaming laptops. By moving standardized settings into these centers, users now have little choice but to rely on them.

    At the same time, these control centers not only give users control but also allow companies to monitor their customers. If everyone uses the software, it becomes a powerful tool for understanding customer behavior. Plus, showing ads can boost revenue, making it a tempting opportunity for businesses.

    Lenovo’s Control Centers

    On Lenovo laptops, the control center is known as Lenovo LegionSpace (for gaming performance) and Lenovo Vantage (for support and minor settings). When users or reviewers open LegionSpace to adjust performance modes, they are met with a home screen that displays the latest game offers, much like Steam or the Epic Games Store. The difference is that LegionSpace isn’t a game marketplace!

    In Vantage, users encounter promotions for security options, warranty extensions, and similar products. They also push surveys, as if Lenovo doesn’t get enough feedback from the data they gather.

    Pre-installed Software

    Lenovo also provides a range of proprietary and third-party software solutions, all pre-installed. This includes a trial version of McAfee and Lenovo Now. During the initial setup, users are bombarded with ads for services like Amazon (Music), YouTube, Norton, and Fubo.

    Data Privacy Concerns

    When it comes to data collection, the situation isn’t very clear. Lenovo offers a link to its general privacy policy on its website. Searching specifically for the privacy policies of Lenovo Vantage or LegionSpace only leads to Lenovo’s standard privacy statement. This document details nearly every type of data that Lenovo collects, including information from website visits. Because it covers all of Lenovo’s services, it’s quite lengthy, making it hard for average users to determine what data is collected by LegionSpace or Vantage.

    Some users might not mind this situation. Still, if given the choice, many would likely prefer to opt out of data collection and advertisements. Laptop manufacturers are increasingly making this harder. One can only hope that consumers will eventually stand up against excessive advertising and data collection, and if necessary, choose other products that don’t come with so much bloatware. However, proprietary AI software and similar technologies might lead to even more complex data privacy issues in the near future.

    Conclusion

    In my opinion, Lenovo has crossed the line. Even though the Legion Pro 5 that we reviewed is quite impressive, I would choose other brands if I were buying personally, and I would recommend the same to friends. At least, that is until Lenovo and other manufacturers slow down their marketing strategies and concentrate on customer satisfaction rather than just making more money.

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  • OWC Guardian External SSD with Hardware Encryption & Touchscreen

    OWC Guardian External SSD with Hardware Encryption & Touchscreen

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Data Security: The OWC Guardian SSD features 256-bit AES hardware-level encryption for robust data protection and high performance without software dependencies.

    2. User-Friendly Touchscreen: Users can enter a customizable passphrase (6 to 30 characters) on a color touchscreen, with dynamic arrangements to enhance security against breaches.

    3. Automatic Lock and Data Erasure: The SSD can lock itself after inactivity and erase data after multiple failed unlock attempts, enhancing security against unauthorized access.

    4. Compact Design and Read-Only Mode: Measuring 4.76 x 2.99 x 0.63 inches, the Guardian includes a read-only mode to prevent malware infections when connected to untrusted devices.

    5. Performance and Pricing: The Guardian supports M.2 SSDs with speeds up to 1,250 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2, with a 1TB model priced at $220 and a 4TB model at $530.


    The company OWC, also known as Other World Computing, has launched a unique external SSD named the Guardian. This product is designed for those who need enhanced data security and robust encryption. It boasts 256-bit AES encryption facilitated by a special coprocessor, which is meant to ensure that performance remains high and there are no slowdowns.

    Hardware-Level Encryption

    Since the encryption operates at the hardware level, there’s no need for additional software, making it compatible with various operating systems. Users can interact with a color touchscreen to enter a code or passphrase that can be between 6 to 30 characters long. To protect against potential breaches from fingerprints, the arrangement of numbers and letters changes each time, allowing both users and administrators to set their own passwords.

    Compact Design and Security Features

    The dimensions of the OWC Guardian SSD are 4.76 x 2.99 x 0.63 inches. It has the capability to lock itself automatically after a designated period of inactivity, and can erase all data after a specific number of failed unlock attempts. There is also a read-only mode available, which is useful when connecting the device to unfamiliar machines that might have questionable security. This feature helps to stop malware from potentially infecting the SSD.

    Performance and Pricing Options

    In addition, the Guardian is compatible with single and double-sided M.2 SSDs, supporting speeds of up to 1,250 MB/s through USB 3.2 Gen 2. The entry-level model comes with a 1TB SSD and is available for $220, while the 4TB variant retails for $530. For those looking for alternatives, options like the Samsung T7 Shield can be found on Amazon.

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  • Tuxedo Laptop: Ryzen 9955HX3D, RTX 5090, Up to 96GB RAM Now Out

    Tuxedo Laptop: Ryzen 9955HX3D, RTX 5090, Up to 96GB RAM Now Out

    Key Takeaways

    1. Processor Options: The Tuxedo Stellaris 16 now features Intel and AMD processors, including the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX and 9955HX3D.

    2. Graphics Options: Users can choose from Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 GPUs, with high total graphics power (TGP) and Dynamic Boost capabilities.

    3. Multi-Screen Support: The laptop supports up to five displays simultaneously and features HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 for connectivity.

    4. Memory and Storage: It can hold up to 96 GB of RAM and supports two M.2 SSDs with PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 options.

    5. Pricing: The entry-level model is priced at €2,184 ($2574), which includes key components like an IPS display, Ryzen 9 CPU, GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16 GB RAM, and a 500 GB SSD.


    The seventh-gen Tuxedo Stellaris 16 has just been launched with Intel chips, and now it’s also offered with AMD processors. Customers can choose from the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D. These models can be paired with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or even the RTX 5090 GPU. The two higher-end graphics options come with a total graphics power (TGP) of 150 watts, plus a Dynamic Boost of 25 watts. Users can adjust the thermal design power (TDP) of the CPUs from 10 to 130 watts via the Tuxedo Control Center.

    Multi-Screen Capabilities

    You can connect up to five displays at once, including the laptop’s own screen, using HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB 3.2 Gen 2. The dimensions of the notebook are 357 x 260 x 28 millimeters, and it weighs 2.8 kilograms with the mini-LED screen; opting for the LED display reduces the weight by 150 grams. Both display options come with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, are 16 inches in size, and support a maximum refresh rate of 300 Hz. The mini-LED display is reported to achieve HDR brightness levels of up to 1,000 cd/m² and provides superior contrast. Additionally, the display can be opened nearly 180°. Although a MUX switch is included, G-Sync and Advanced Optimus aren’t supported just yet.

    Memory and Storage Options

    The laptop can accommodate up to 96 GB of 5,600 MHz RAM across two slots, and you can install two M.2 2280 SSDs, each featuring four lanes of PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0. An M.2 2230 card allows for wireless connections, and there’s also a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. Other features consist of a Full HD webcam, two speakers rated at 2 watts each, a memory card reader, and a connection point for the Tuxedo Aquaris water cooling system. It comes preloaded with Tuxedo OS, although Windows is also an option.

    Tuxedo is pricing the entry-level model at €2,184 ($2574), which includes an IPS display, Ryzen 9 9955HX, GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB SSD.

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  • Milenas: Compact WiFi NAS with 2TB Storage Launches on Kickstarter

    Milenas: Compact WiFi NAS with 2TB Storage Launches on Kickstarter

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Milenas NAS is a compact device measuring 3.6 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches and weighing 1.8 oz, with 256MB of memory and 8GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB.
    2. It offers data transfer speeds of up to 300Mbps and connects via WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, lacking a traditional Ethernet port.
    3. The device supports SMB protocol for multiple user profiles and shared folders, making it useful for family trips.
    4. Easy setup is provided through a QR code, with automatic backup for photos and videos, and USB connectivity for transferring larger files.
    5. The Kickstarter campaign offers units for about $109 plus shipping, with shipping expected in November, but backers should be aware of potential financial risks.


    A new crowdfunding campaign has launched for a very small network attached storage device. The Milenas NAS is tiny, measuring just 3.6 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches and weighs a mere 1.8 oz. It runs on an MT7628 SoC, although it has a rather limited 256MB of memory. Internal storage is capped at 8GB, but you can add up to 2TB of extra storage depending on the setup you choose.

    Data Transfer and Connectivity

    The manufacturer indicates that the device can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 300Mbps. It connects to networks using WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, but you won’t find a traditional Ethernet port here. Powering the Milenas is done via USB with a requirement of 5V and 1A. Furthermore, this portable NAS supports the SMB protocol and allows multiple users to have their own profiles, while certain folders can be shared among everyone. This feature can be handy, especially during family trips.

    Ease of Use and Features

    No specific app is necessary to operate the Milenas NAS, as devices can be connected using a straightforward QR code. Besides local data transfers, this device supports various cloud storage services. It can also automatically back up pictures and videos from smartphones, for example. For transferring larger files, you can connect the Milenas to laptops using USB. Alternatively, USB Ethernet dongles should function as well.

    The Milenas is compatible with OpenWrt, and the manufacturer claims there are no software support limitations. Currently, backers on Kickstarter can secure a unit for a pledge of about $109, with an additional $15 for shipping. The first units are expected to ship in November. As with any crowdfunding project, it’s important to keep in mind the typical financial risks involved, which could play a significant role here.

    Alternative Suggestion

    If you’re looking for another option, consider the Synology Beedrive available on Amazon.

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  • Minisforum Launches N5 NAS with Unique AMD Ryzen APU Under $550

    Minisforum Launches N5 NAS with Unique AMD Ryzen APU Under $550

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum has launched the N5 and N5 Pro, with the N5 featuring a less powerful AMD Ryzen 7 255 APU compared to the Pro model.
    2. The Ryzen 7 255 has 8 Zen 4 CPU cores, operates between 3.8 GHz and 4.9 GHz, and has a TDP of 45 W, but lacks advanced NPU capabilities found in the Ryzen 7 260.
    3. The N5 supports dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing up to 96 GB of RAM, but does not support ECC RAM unlike the N5 Pro.
    4. Both models feature similar I/O options, including 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN connections, and compatibility with Linux, MinisCloud OS, or Windows 11 Pro.
    5. The starting price for the Minisforum N5 is $553, with an option for 16 GB of pre-installed RAM for an additional $48.


    Minisforum has launched the N5 globally, alongside the more robust N5 Pro. As indicated by their names, the N5 is equipped with a less potent APU compared to the Pro version. At this time, the N5 can only be set up with the AMD Ryzen 7 255, which Minisforum describes.

    Ryzen 7 255 Specifications

    The Ryzen 7 255 is also found in the Minisforum AI X1 (currently priced at $377.90 on Amazon). However, it does not appear on AMD’s global site. Instead, it is listed on the Chinese website as the Ryzen 7 H 255, featuring 8 Zen 4 CPU cores that operate between 3.8 GHz and 4.9 GHz. The Ryzen 7 255 falls under the Ryzen 200 and Hawk Point series, boasting a default Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 45 W, which can be adjusted by manufacturers within a range of 35 W to 54 W.

    Performance Considerations

    Interestingly, the Ryzen 7 255 lacks the 16 TOPS NPU that AMD provides with the Ryzen 7 260. This suggests that the Ryzen 7 255 may be a rebadged version of the Ryzen 7 8745HS, which is a lower wattage variant of the Ryzen 7 8745H, available only in China. Consequently, the Ryzen 7 255 is expected to perform notably worse in artificial intelligence tasks. Additionally, a 100 MHz downclock could lead to minor performance reductions in CPU and GPU operations compared to the Ryzen 7 260.

    Features of the Minisforum N5

    In other aspects, the Minisforum N5 shares core components with the more powerful N5 Pro model. For example, the N5 includes dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 96 GB of 5,600 MT/s RAM. One key difference is that the N5 does not support ECC RAM, unlike its Pro version.

    The other I/O options remain largely the same, featuring 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN connections, a PCIe x16 (PCIe 4.0 x4) slot, and OCuLink connectivity. Additionally, the N5 is compatible with Linux, MinisCloud OS, or Windows 11 Pro. As of now, the Minisforum N5 starts at $553 with the coupon code NAS30 at checkout, which does not include RAM but does come with 64 GB of storage. Alternatively, there is a version available with 16 GB of pre-installed RAM for an additional $48. For further information, visit Minisforum’s website.

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  • Minisforum N5 Pro Launches with AMD Ryzen AI HX 370 and PCIe 4.0

    Minisforum N5 Pro Launches with AMD Ryzen AI HX 370 and PCIe 4.0

    Key Takeaways

    1. The N5 Pro features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU with 12 Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon 890M iGPU.
    2. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 ECC memory and has multiple storage options, including three M.2 SSD slots and five 2.5/3.5-inch bays.
    3. The device includes both 5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for enhanced connectivity.
    4. The N5 Pro has a compact design, weighing 5 kg and measuring 199 x 202 x 252 mm.
    5. Pre-orders for the N5 Pro will start shipping by the end of the month, with a $30 discount available using coupon code NAS30.


    The N5 Pro has made its debut after several months of official previews. Alongside the more affordable N5, the N5 Pro utilizes the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, similar to the previously released AI X1 Pro (currently priced at $1,009.99 on Amazon). This model boasts 12 Zen 5 CPU cores, a Radeon 890M iGPU, and a powerful 50 TOPS NPU.

    Impressive Memory and Storage Options

    Moreover, Minisforum has incorporated a duo of SO-DIMM slots that officially allow for up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 ECC memory. In addition, there are three M.2 SSD slots and five 2.5/3.5-inch storage bays. Furthermore, the N5 Pro is equipped with both 5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as several other connection options.

    Compact Design and Shipping Plans

    For context, Minisforum has designed this system to fit into a casing that weighs 5 kg and has dimensions of 199 x 202 x 252 mm. The company plans to start shipping pre-orders for the N5 Pro by the end of this month. At present, customers can choose from five different memory configurations, with specifics provided below. Don’t forget, the coupon code NAS30 can be used at checkout to get a $30 discount on all models.

    Minisforum is available in regions including the US, UK, EU, France, South Korea, and Japan.

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  • $2.1B Crypto Hacks in H1 2025; $9.32B Lost to Scams in 2024

    $2.1B Crypto Hacks in H1 2025; $9.32B Lost to Scams in 2024

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cybercriminals stole over $2.1 billion in cryptocurrency through 75 incidents in the first half of 2025, indicating a significant increase in digital asset security threats.

    2. The Bybit breach in February resulted in $1.5 billion in losses, primarily linked to North Korean hacking groups, highlighting their influence in crypto theft.

    3. Cryptocurrency hacks are being used as tools in geopolitical conflicts, with incidents like the Nobitex breach demonstrating the symbolic motives behind some attacks.

    4. Infrastructure-related attacks, such as the theft of private keys, accounted for over 80% of the total losses, with many smaller thefts likely going unreported.

    5. A total of $9.32 billion in scam proceeds were funneled through cryptocurrencies in 2024, suggesting that many scams may not be captured in official reports.


    A new study from TRM Labs highlights the growing threats in digital asset security. Cybercriminals have managed to steal over $2.1 billion in cryptocurrency through 75 distinct incidents during the first half of 2025. This alarming total not only breaks previous records but is also close to the entire amount taken in 2024, indicating a serious increase in risks facing the crypto landscape.

    Major Breaches and Their Impact

    The standout event was the massive breach of $1.5 billion at Bybit, a crypto exchange based in Dubai, which occurred in February. As per the report, this singular attack was responsible for almost 70% of the total losses and was attributed to groups connected to North Korea. This incident firmly established North Korea as a key player in the world of crypto hacking, with its associated groups believed to be accountable for around $1.6 billion of the stolen funds in the first half of 2025.

    Geopolitical Implications of Crypto Hacks

    The findings also reveal a shifting dynamic where cryptocurrency hacks are being utilized as a secret weapon in geopolitical struggles. A notable example is the June 18 breach of Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, which saw over $90 million stolen by a group with ties to Israel. The attackers made a clear political statement by moving the stolen assets to addresses that could not be used, showing that their aim was more about symbolic disruption rather than financial gain.

    Types of Attacks and Their Consequences

    Infrastructure-related attacks, including the theft of private keys and seed phrases, ranked as the most harmful, representing more than 80% of all lost funds. It’s important to note that this report may not adequately capture the smaller losses experienced by individuals, many of which go unreported to the proper authorities.

    Meanwhile, a staggering $9.32 billion in scam proceeds was funneled through cryptocurrencies in 2024, according to the FBI’s report, which relies on complaints filed with the IC3 from over 200 countries. This indicates that a significant number of crypto scams probably remain unnoticed. Without these reports, one could mistakenly think that hacks are the primary source of losses in the crypto world.

    With the inherent dangers tied to cryptocurrencies, taking all possible safety measures is crucial. The Ledger Nano X (currently priced at $149 on Amazon) stands out as one of the top hardware wallets for cryptocurrencies, providing robust security without being overly expensive.

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