Hackers steal $60m from Japanese crypto exchange Zaif
Japanese start-up Tech Bureau has revealed its cryptocurrency exchange Zaif has been hacked to the tune of JPY 6.7 billion ($59.6 million).
Three digital currencies were affected
Three digital currencies were affected, Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and MonaCoin (MONA).
Tech Bureau says since 14 September, some services such as deposit and withdrawal of virtual currencies were not in operation. After investigation, it turned out that some of the deposits and withdrawals of hot wallets had been hacked.
Tech Bureau detected server abnormality on 17 September and hacking damage was confirmed on 18 September. This was reported to Japan’s Treasury Department. The firm is currently checking and strengthening security and rebuilding the server. It released a statement today (20 September).
Of the total stolen, JPY 2.2 billion ($19.6 million) was the company’s assets, while JPY 4.5 billion ($40 million) belonged to customers.
As a result of this hack, Tech Bureau has asked for JPY 5 billion ($44.5 million) in financial assistance from Fisco Digital Asset Group.
Hacks on crypto exchanges are nothing new in Japan.
In January, $534 million was stolen from Coincheck cryptocurrency exchange in Tokyo.
Those with good memories will recall MtGox, a Tokyo-based exchange that was forced to file for bankruptcy in early 2014 after hackers stole around $650 million worth of customers’ Bitcoins.
