Today, the well-known cryptocurrency exchange WazirX was attacked by hackers, resulting in the loss of up to $235 million in crypto assets. According to an investigation by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic, the attack was linked to North Korea and involved as many as 200 different cryptocurrencies. Do North Korean hackers look like the end of exchange funds? A few days ago, it was also reported that US$300 million of DMM, a well-known Japanese exchange, was obtained by North Korean hackers.
Update: We're aware that one of our multisig wallets has experienced a security breach. Our team is actively investigating the incident. To ensure the safety of your assets, INR and crypto withdrawals will be temporarily paused. Thank you for your patience and understanding.…
— WazirX: India Ka Bitcoin Exchange (@WazirXIndia) July 18, 2024
Attack details revealed
Analysis by Elliptic shows that the attack resulted in the theft of approximately $235 million in crypto assets, including approximately $96.7 million in Shiba Inu (SHIB), $52.6 million in Ethereum (ETH), $11 million in Matic, and $7.6 million in PEPE.
Asset transfer and money laundering process
Hackers have used various decentralized services to convert some of the tokens into ether, a typical preliminary step in the money laundering process. Elliptic once emphasized this in its report "The State of Cross-Chain Crime 2023." This action shows the hacker's familiarity and professional operation of the money laundering process.
On-chain analysis and other information indicate that the attack was carried out by hackers linked to North Korea.
Risk prevention measures
In response to this threat, Elliptic has added hacker-related addresses to its system, ensuring that its customers are promptly alerted when these funds are received. This move aims to improve the security of cryptocurrency transactions and prevent more funds from being illegally transferred and laundered.
Is this article full of North Korean hackers? Elliptic analyzes that WazirX was attacked by North Korean hackers, as was DMM’s recent $300 million? First appeared in Chain News ABMedia.
