
Audio By Carbonatix
Hackers have stolen over $40 million worth of bitcoin from Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, the company said on Tuesday.
Binance said the hackers ran off with over 7,000 bitcoin and used a variety of attack methods to carry out the “large scale security breach” which occurred on Tuesday.
They also managed to get some user information such as two-factor authentication codes, which are required to log in to a Binance account.
The cryptocurrency exchange was able to trace the stolen bitcoin to a single wallet, it said.
“The hackers had the patience to wait, and execute well-orchestrated actions through multiple seemingly independent accounts at the most opportune time,” Binance said in a statement.
“The transaction is structured in a way that passed our existing security checks. It was unfortunate that we were not able to block this withdrawal before it was executed. Once executed, the withdrawal triggered various alarms in our system. We stopped all withdrawals immediately after that.”
Binance said the theft occurred from the company’s so-called “hot wallet,” which accounts for about 2% of its total bitcoin holdings. A wallet is a digital means of storing cryptocurrency. A “hot wallet” is one that is connected to the internet as opposed to a “cold” one which stores digital coins offline.
Deposits and withdrawals on Binance’s platform will remain suspended but trading will be allowed.
Binance also warned that “hackers may still control certain user accounts and may use those to influence prices.”
However, the company said that it will cover the incident “in full” and no users’ funds will be affected.
The hack comes after a recent rally in bitcoin. The price of the digital coin is about 9% higher over the past week.
Latest Stories
-
CIMAG hails passage of Maritime and other Offences Act as boost for Ghana’s blue economy and maritime security
4 minutes -
GES suspends salary of interdicted Bole SHS teacher over alleged sexual misconduct
4 minutes -
Former Ghana U20 AFCON winner Ivan Anokye Mensah joins Spartak Trnava
4 minutes -
Selorm Dogbe seeks support as he eyes historic IFBB Championship in Spain
10 minutes -
Photos: Ghana observes National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving with interfaith services
11 minutes -
Over 3,000 flood victims in Ayawaso central receive relief items from NADMO, Qatar Charity
16 minutes -
ShEquity Climate-smart SME Showcase and Pitch finale highlight Ghana’s green enterprise potential
37 minutes -
Greater Accra Regional Minister assures affected residents of continued government support after floods
37 minutes -
Give thanks to God despite floods, deaths and destruction – Mahama
41 minutes -
Dyson Energy wins €25,000 ShEquity grant to advance carbon certification
49 minutes -
Continuity: The most powerful force nobody talks about
52 minutes -
Three arrested over alleged human trafficking and forced prostitution
52 minutes -
Heavy rains leave Avenor roads in disrepair as commuters and motorists decry worsening conditions
1 hour -
NDC’s Novihoho Afaglo sympathises with flood victims in Accra and Ketu South
1 hour -
Six NPP members allege denial of fair hearing in Nandom constituency election dispute
1 hour