Theft of $8 million from the cryptocurrency exchange HTX: Hackers target cryptocurrency exchanges
Date: 2023-09-25 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: CRYPTO PAYMENTS, IN WORLD
In recent days, the cryptocurrency world has once again witnessed an attack on the HTX cryptocurrency exchange, which came into the spotlight after hackers successfully managed to steal nearly $8 million worth of Ethereum. This incident raises important questions about the security and protection of digital assets.
The Stolen Millions
Sunday, September 24, became a black day for HTX as hackers successfully breached the hot wallet of the cryptocurrency exchange. This wallet was designated for processing active transactions and held significant funds. Hackers managed to steal 5,000 Ethereum (ETH), which is currently equivalent to nearly $8 million at the current exchange rate.
Hunting the Hackers
Immediately after the breach, the exchange initiated an investigation, and experts from the cybersecurity company Cyver Alerts joined efforts to identify the hackers. The company's system detected suspicious transactions linked to addresses belonging to Huobi Global and HTX Global, allowing experts to identify the hacker's wallet. Currently, this wallet holds almost 4,000 ETH, with one thousand coins being transferred to another address immediately after the breach.
A Conversation with the Hacker
What should be done in the case of such a cyber attack? Representatives of the HTX exchange didn't wait for the hacker's initiative and reached out to them through Etherscan. An interesting aspect is the exchange's offer: they are willing to pay the hacker a reward of 5% of the stolen amount if they voluntarily return the funds. The hacker has been given a week to decide, until October 2, 2023. Otherwise, the exchange intends to involve law enforcement agencies.
Words of Reassurance
Justin Sun, presumably holding a controlling stake in Huobi, confirmed the breach via his Twitter account. He assured users that all user assets are secure, and the platform continues to operate normally. This response was aimed at reassuring users and maintaining trust in the platform.
HTX's Troubles
This incident is not the first for HTX. Earlier this summer, the exchange faced a massive data leak that exposed information about off-exchange transactions from 2017 to 2021, data about VIP clients, and technical infrastructure. The issue was caused by the carelessness of employees in a test environment.
The HTX incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat associated with storing and trading cryptocurrencies. It's important to remember security measures and use reliable methods for storing digital assets, as well as stay updated with news and recommendations from the exchange. The cryptocurrency community continues to combat cybercriminals, and security remains a top priority for the industry.
