Iran's largest crypto exchange Nobitex has suffered a major cyberattack, putting nearly $100 million in user funds at risk. New measures and restrictions on operations have already been implemented.
Details of the Cyberattack
The cyberattack on Nobitex was carried out by the group "Gonjeshke Darande," which threatened to publish the exchange's source code and internal materials. In a post on X, they warned that remaining funds would be at risk. The group accused Nobitex of financing terrorism and bypassing international sanctions, stating that the platform provides users with instructions on how to circumvent these restrictions.
CITE_NA: "After Bank Sepah comes Nobitex. We will publish the source code and internal data within 24 hours. Assets left there will be jeopardized!"
Iran's Response
In response to the attack, Iran has imposed a nationwide curfew, limiting cryptocurrency exchange operations to daylight hours from 10 AM to 8 PM. Experts suggest that this allows the government to more effectively monitor large transactions and prevent nighttime cyber intrusions.
Future of Nobitex and its Users
Despite the cyberattack, Nobitex reported that no customer funds have been lost. The exchange moved all funds to cold storage and shut down external network access. However, users are concerned about their data security and potential future restrictions, with significant drops in local Bitcoin rates observed and increased panic among traders.
The cyberattack on Nobitex highlights the growing tensions in Iran's financial system and potential risks for cryptocurrency exchange users. With new security measures and restrictions in place, the future of the platform and its users remains uncertain.