The cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex recently announced a serious cyber attack, resulting in the theft of cryptocurrency valued at approximately $73 million. Investigators uncovered multiple unauthorized transactions, prompting further scrutiny.
Details of the Cyber Attack on Nobitex
The cybersecurity incident was first revealed by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who noticed that approximately $48.65 million was suspiciously withdrawn from wallets associated with Nobitex on the Tron blockchain. Subsequent investigations revealed additional dubious activities across EVM-compatible blockchains, inflating the total amount to an estimated $73 million.
Who Was Behind the Attack?
The hackers used a vanity address containing the acronym 'IRGC', potentially alluding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran. This hint suggests that political tensions might be a backdrop for the breach. Nobitex confirmed the security breach but stated that customer assets were secure and losses would be compensated. However, specific details about the affected assets remain undisclosed.
Geopolitical Contexts of the Incident
The attack on Nobitex comes against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. ZachXBT also identified the attackers as the Israeli cyber group Gonjeshke Darande, which asserted responsibility for the attack, claiming that Nobitex facilitates Iran's controversial activities. They justified their actions by alleging that the exchange is a financial conduit for terrorism and sanction evasions.
This incident highlights how political conflicts can affect digital financial platforms, creating new threats in the realm of cybersecurity.
