Coldcard Bitcoin Theft Tops $100M, Investigators Eye $130M
A recent security breach targeting Coldcard hardware wallets has resulted in Bitcoin (BTC) losses exceeding $100 million, with some estimates suggesting the total could climb to $130 million across several attack waves. The incident has not only led to substantial financial losses but also spurred a notable reactivation of dormant Bitcoin wallets, as holders, some inactive for over a decade, move their digital assets.
According to Galaxy Research, the confirmed theft from Coldcard wallets has topped $100 million across three distinct attack waves. Investigators are currently examining a suspected fourth wave that could elevate the total losses to $130 million. Despite the magnitude of the theft, approximately 90% of the stolen Bitcoin reportedly remains unmoved, a detail investigators are scrutinizing.
A 12-year-old bitcoin wallet moved $31 million on Monday, part of a broader wave of dormant coins shifting since the Coldcard hack.
One notable transaction saw a Bitcoin wallet, dormant since 2013, move 500 BTC, valued at approximately $31 million, on a recent Monday. This specific movement, alongside others, highlights a broader trend of long-inactive wallets coming online in the wake of the Coldcard hack, suggesting a widespread response to the security incident. Some reports indicated this particular wallet had been dormant for 12 years.
Market Context and Investor Reaction
The cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin, has demonstrated resilience amidst these security concerns. Despite the significant theft, Bitcoin's price has largely held steady, trading marginally above $63,000 and nearing $64,000, as traders seemingly look past the impact of the Coldcard incident. This stability suggests that while the hack is a serious concern, it has not triggered a broader market downturn.
The total Bitcoin losses from the Coldcard hack are reported to be around 1,596 BTC, according to some analyses, while others, such as blockchain.news, suggest a higher figure of 2,055 BTC, aligning with the $130 million estimate. The discrepancy in reported figures underscores the ongoing nature of the investigation and the challenges in accurately quantifying losses in a dynamic digital asset environment.
Implications for Hardware Wallet Security
The Coldcard incident has brought renewed attention to the security of hardware wallets, often considered among the safest methods for storing cryptocurrencies. The exploitation of a flaw in a prominent hardware wallet underscores the perpetual need for robust security practices and continuous vigilance within the crypto ecosystem. For both crypto-native and mainstream investors, such events serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with digital asset ownership and the importance of diversification in storage solutions.
As investigations continue into the Coldcard breach and the potential for further attacks, the crypto community remains focused on understanding the full scope of the compromise and implementing enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The movement of long-dormant funds reflects a broader re-evaluation of security protocols by long-term Bitcoin holders.
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Price | 24h | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bitcoin BTC | $63,471 | +1.30% | $1273.9B |
 Ethereum ETH | $1,852 | -0.20% | $223.5B |
 BNB BNB | $589.28 | +1.30% | $78.5B |
 XRP XRP | $1.07 | +0.10% | $67.0B |
 Solana SOL | $73.18 | +0.70% | $42.5B |
 Dogecoin DOGE | $0.0700 | +0.50% | $12.0B |
 Cardano ADA | $0.194 | +5.40% | $7.2B |
Live data: CoinGecko — 2026-08-04 07:22 UTC
