Data Breach at Top Cryptocurrency Exchange Leads to Stolen Coins

Bithumb, one of the largest bitcoin exchanges in the world, recently discovered theft of the personal information of more than 31,800 users—and some drained digital wallets.

Based in South Korea, the exchange hosts one of the world’s top five largest bitcoin markets, and the largest of ether, another form of cryptocurrency.

The company said it discovered the breach June 29 and the thieves made off with the names, cellphone numbers and email addresses of 3 percent of its users, Brave New Coin reported.

Bithumb said the funds weren’t accessed, but many users reported having their digital wallets emptied after receiving a call from someone claiming to be a Bithumb representative. The imposter asked for additional account information like one-time passwords.  

The company pledged to cover losses up to 100,000 won (or about $87), though one user reportedly lost 10 million won. The Korea Internet and Security Agency, the Korea Communications Commission and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office are investigating the incident, according to Brave New Coin.