Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is facing a serious internal data leak concerning personal information of its clients. This incident has led to significant losses for the company.
How the Breach Happened
According to a company statement, some overseas customer support agents working for Coinbase were bribed by cybercriminals. These agents leaked personal customer data, including names, home addresses, phone numbers, and government ID photos.
Who Was Affected?
Coinbase stated that the breach impacted less than 1% of its active users, which is around 84,000 customers. These users were targeted with social engineering scams, where attackers pretended to be Coinbase employees to steal funds.
Measures Taken by Coinbase
To remedy the situation, Coinbase is taking several measures. The company refused to pay the $20 million bribe and instead launched a $20 million reward fund for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Additionally, they are opening a new customer support center in the U.S. and enhancing internal monitoring.
For Coinbase, this data leak incident is a significant challenge, but the company has expressed its commitment to restoring trust and improving security in a rapidly changing industry.