Nikolas Sargeant
Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange BingX confirmed a security breach on Friday after detecting multiple "suspicious" outflows from one of its online hot wallets. In response, the exchange has committed to compensating users for their losses.
BingX Responds to Hot Wallet Hack with Emergency Measures
BingX announced via X (formerly Twitter) that it had identified abnormal access to its hot wallet, suspecting a hacker attack. "We immediately initiated an emergency response, including asset transfers and pausing withdrawals," the team stated. They assured users that the majority of assets remain secure in cold wallets, with only a small portion affected in the compromised hot wallet.
Security Firm Reveals Extent of Hack as BingX Implements 24-Hour Freeze
Blockchain security firm PeckShield reported that the breach resulted in a $26.68 million loss, primarily involving Ethereum and BNB Chain assets. The hacker swiftly converted most of the stolen funds into approximately 4,526 ETH and 7,864.7 BNB.
Vivien Lin, BingX's chief product officer, announced a temporary suspension of withdrawals for enhanced security measures and an emergency inspection. She stated that withdrawals would resume within 24 hours and added, "We are working on a compensation plan, which will be announced soon."
Crypto Exchange Industry Grapples with Recent Security Breaches
The BingX incident is part of a troubling trend of security challenges faced by the cryptocurrency exchange sector. Recently, two other notable breaches have underscored the vulnerabilities within these platforms:
- Indodax: Last week, this crypto exchange fell victim to hackers who stole approximately $22 million in digital assets.
- WazirX: This prominent Indian exchange suffered a substantial loss when attackers orchestrated a series of suspicious transactions, resulting in the theft of $234 million from the platform.
These incidents highlight the ongoing security risks in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and the urgent need for enhanced protection measures to safeguard user assets.
