Japanese cryptocurrency exchange DMM Bitcoin is warning that 4,502.9 Bitcoin (BTC), or about $308 million, was stolen by a hacker from one of wallets , making it the largest cryptocurrency heist of 2024.
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“ At approximately 1:26 PM on Friday, May 31, 2024, we detected an unauthorized leak of Bitcoin (BTC) from our wallet ,” DMM Bitcoin told customers .
“We are still investigating the details of the damage, but at this stage we know the following. We have already taken measures to prevent unauthorized leakage, but we have also implemented restrictions on the use of certain services for additional security.“
While the company investigates the theft, it has restricted many services on its platform, including registering new accounts, cryptocurrency withdrawals, on-site purchases, and new open positions for trading.
DMM Bitcoin has not provided information on how the theft occurred, but similar thefts have occurred in the past when hackers gained access to corporate systems or exploited flaws in smart contracts or websites.
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The exchange apologized to customers, stating that all Bitcoin (BTC) deposits will be fully guaranteed as they replenish the corresponding amount through the help of group companies.
Cryptocurrency intelligence firm Elliptic, which tracks stolen Bitcoin, says threat actors have already split the stolen Bitcoin into multiple new wallets.
This is likely done to hide traces and prevent the block from being blocked by other cryptocurrency exchanges if malicious actors attempt to exchange it for other cryptocurrencies.
Elliptic says that if confirmed to be a theft, it would be the eighth largest cryptocurrency heist of all time and the largest this year.
DMM Bitcoin has not yet responded to questions about the hack and theft.
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Cryptocurrency theft has emerged as a major concern in the digital age, especially given the massive growth of cryptocurrencies. Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics to gain unauthorized access to digital wallets and exchanges, including phishing, malware attacks, and exploiting software vulnerabilities. These thefts not only lead to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses, but also undermine confidence in the security of blockchain. As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for stakeholders to implement strong security measures and remain vigilant against potential threats.
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Source: bleepingcomputer
