Iran's cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex has experienced a significant hacking incident, resulting in approximately $73 million theft. The attack was claimed by a group of hackers.
Overview of the Hack on Nobitex
The prominent Iranian exchange Nobitex faced a severe hack that led to the theft of about $73 million in cryptocurrency. Blockchain analyst ZachXBT reported suspicious withdrawals from wallets connected to the exchange. Nobitex confirmed unauthorized access but reassured users that their assets were safe.
Details of the Breach and Exchange's Response
According to ZachXBT, initial reports indicated suspicious withdrawals totaling approximately $48.65 million from multiple wallets believed to be associated with Nobitex on the Tron blockchain. Subsequent updates revealed further suspicious transactions on EVM-compatible blockchains, raising the total amount to $73 million. The hacker reportedly used a customized address containing 'IRGC', possibly referring to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Nobitex confirmed the breach and stated that their technical team was working on securing their infrastructure.
Hackers' Responsibility and Motivation
The Israeli hacker group Gonjeshke Darande claimed responsibility for the Nobitex attack through a statement on the X platform, asserting that 'Nobitex serves as a key regime tool for financing terrorism and sanctions violations.' This declaration hints at potential political motivations underlying the incident and coincides with escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel in the region.
The cyber attack on Nobitex highlights the vulnerabilities of cryptocurrency platforms and the complex geopolitical contexts in which they operate. This incident raises concerns about the safety of user assets and the measures that need to be taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.
