Coldcard Bitcoin Exploit Balloons to $88 Million as Attackers Keep Draining Wallets
The Coldcard exploit is ongoing, with Galaxy Research now tracking about $88.6 million stolen across 4,585 addresses in three waves. The breach has spurred an unusual reversal of the 'not your keys, not your coins' ethos as users move Bitcoin back to exchanges.
Intelligence analysis by Llama

The Coldcard exploit is a series of deliberate and likely LLM-orchestrated thefts of Bitcoin from compromised Coldcard hardware wallets. Researchers are tracking losses of roughly $88 million and warn that every vulnerable device will eventually be emptied.
Imagine you have a special box that stores your money, but someone finds a way to break into the box and take all your cash. That's what's happening with the Coldcard exploit, where hackers are breaking into people's special Bitcoin boxes and stealing their money.
Analysis
A $60B Vote of Confidence in Bitcoin's Security Model
The recent Coldcard exploit has raised concerns about the security of Bitcoin's hardware wallet ecosystem. However, it is essential to note that the exploit is not a failure of Bitcoin's security model but rather a result of human error and the misuse of the 'not your keys, not your coins' ethos.
Why Coldcard Users Are Vulnerable
The Coldcard exploit is ongoing, with Galaxy Research now tracking about $88.6 million stolen across 4,585 addresses in three waves. The breach has spurred an unusual reversal of the 'not your keys, not your coins' ethos as users move Bitcoin back to exchanges. The theft of Bitcoin from compromised Coldcard hardware wallets is still underway, with researchers now tracking losses of roughly $88 million and warning that every vulnerable device will eventually be emptied.
The Road Ahead
The Coldcard exploit serves as a reminder of the importance of securing one's private keys and the potential risks of using hardware wallets. It also underscores the need for users to be vigilant and take steps to protect their assets. As the exploit continues to unfold, it is crucial for users to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard their Bitcoin holdings.
Key points
- The Coldcard exploit is ongoing, with Galaxy Research tracking about $88.6 million stolen across 4,585 addresses in three waves.
- The breach has spurred an unusual reversal of the 'not your keys, not your coins' ethos as users move Bitcoin back to exchanges.
- Researchers warn that every vulnerable device will eventually be emptied.
- The exploit highlights the importance of securing one's private keys and the potential risks of using hardware wallets.
- Users are advised to take necessary precautions to safeguard their Bitcoin holdings.
If the exploit is contained and users take steps to secure their private keys, the long-term impact on the Bitcoin ecosystem could be minimal. In fact, the incident might even lead to increased security measures and a greater emphasis on protecting user assets.
The ongoing exploit could lead to significant losses for users who have not taken adequate measures to secure their private keys. Furthermore, the incident might erode trust in the Bitcoin ecosystem and lead to a decline in user adoption.



