18.06.2025 16:50
An Israeli hacking group has claimed responsibility for an $81 million heist targeting Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The attack leveraged sophisticated techniques, including the use of customized "vanity addresses" – addresses with memorable names designed to taunt victims – to drain funds across multiple blockchain networks. This brazen act highlights significant vulnerabilities in Nobitex's security infrastructure.
On-chain analyst ZachXBT first uncovered the attack, identifying an initial $48.65 million outflow on the Tron network. This figure dramatically increased as further investigations revealed substantial losses across other EVM-compatible blockchains. Two vanity addresses, “TKFuckiRGCTerroristsNoBiTEXy2r7mNX” and “0xffFFfFFffFFffFfFffFFfFfFfFFFFfFfFFFFDead,” were used, each transferring millions of dollars, underscoring the scale and audacity of the cybercrime.
Nobitex responded by acknowledging a security breach affecting its hot wallets. Swift action was taken to freeze the compromised wallets, halting further asset transfers. The exchange reassured users that their assets stored in cold storage remained safe and that all losses from the hot wallet breach would be fully reimbursed using insurance funds and internal resources. The platform temporarily shut down its website and app to facilitate a thorough investigation into the incident.
Despite Nobitex’s assurances and commitment to full compensation, the Iranian cryptocurrency community reacted with skepticism and criticism. Many voiced concerns about the exchange's security practices and expressed disbelief in the claims made regarding insurance coverage and future security measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the significant risks inherent in cryptocurrency exchange usage, particularly concerning the security protocols employed by smaller or less established platforms. The hack's ramifications extend beyond financial losses, raising questions about regulatory oversight and the vulnerability of the cryptocurrency ecosystem to sophisticated cyberattacks.
