Binance hit by $6.3bn crypto hack in under 20 minutes

Summary

About $6.3 billion was stolen from Binance in a crypto hack. TechRadar reports that about $6.36 billion was taken in less than 20 minutes and explains the theft in five points for readers who do not own crypto, including how it could happen so quickly and whether any money will be returned. PBS NewsHour reports that it is likely the biggest-ever crypto theft, that North Korea may be involved, and that Binance is investigating. NPR publishes a simple explainer of five things to know, covering how the hack happened and what it means for the crypto sector.

Timeline

1. TechRadar

   31 Oct 2026, 09:00 UTCSource ↗

   TechRadar reports that about $6.36 billion was stolen from Binance in less than 20 minutes, and its explainer sets out five things readers need to know, including how the theft could happen so quickly and whether any money will be returned.

2. PBS NewsHour

   31 Oct 2026, 15:14 UTCSource ↗

   PBS NewsHour reports what is known about the $6.3 billion hack on Binance, likely the biggest-ever crypto theft, including possible North Korean involvement and Binance's investigation.

3. NPR

   31 Oct 2026, 18:11 UTCSource ↗

   NPR reports in a simple explainer, framed as five things to know, how the massive $6.3 billion hack of the crypto exchange Binance happened and what it means for the sector.