Crypto ATM operator Bitcoin Depot has reported a data breach that occurred last year, affecting nearly 27,000 customers' information. This article examines the details of the incident and offers advice for users.
Description of the Data Breach
In a notice to customers filed with attorneys general in Maine and Massachusetts, the company stated that the data of 26,732 users was impacted by an "external system breach" that occurred on June 23, 2024. A spokesperson for the company noted that "at the direction of federal law enforcement, notification was delayed due to an active investigation into the third party responsible for the breach."
Information Provided and Recommendations
According to the notice, the breach may have exposed customers' names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and could also include addresses, birth dates, and emails. "There is no evidence of customer information being misused," said the Bitcoin Depot spokesperson. Customers were advised to monitor their credit reports and report any suspicious activity, as well as to create fraud alerts with credit agencies.
Data Security in the Crypto Industry
Throughout 2024, many companies in the crypto industry have faced threats from hackers. For example, in December 2023, Byte Federal also reported a data breach affecting 58,000 customers. Coinbase stated in May that they dealt with a ransom attempt from criminals demanding payment for customer information.
Bitcoin Depot continues to cooperate with law enforcement and is enhancing security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The situation highlights the existing threats in the crypto industry and the need for robust data protection.
