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Nicholas Kitonyi@NFTgators
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A pro-Israel hacking group, known as Predatory Sparrow, has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The attack resulted in the theft of approximately $90 million in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Dogecoin, as well as over 100 other cryptocurrencies. According to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic, the funds were drained from the exchange’s wallets into blockchain addresses containing anti-government messages explicitly referencing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The attackers, instead of attempting to profit financially, intentionally destroyed the stolen cryptocurrency in what has been described as a symbolic political statement. The funds were sent to blockchain addresses with the phrase "F***iRGCTerrorists" embedded within them. Experts say that generating addresses with such specific terms requires significant computing power, suggesting the primary goal was to send a message rather than to gain financially. The incident underscores the rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran and the vulnerability of cryptocurrency exchanges to politically motivated cyberattacks.
The cyberattack on Nobitex is part of a broader pattern of cyber warfare between Israel and Iran. While the physical conflict has seen airstrikes and other military actions, the digital realm has become another battleground, with potentially significant repercussions for both countries and the wider global community. This incident also follows reports of internet restrictions within Iran, limiting citizens' access to information and communication amidst escalating tensions. The global cybersecurity community needs to stay prepared for security repercussions for the two combatants and the wider global community as the cyberwarfare portion of the conflict is already spilling over off the battlefield and outside the region.
ImgSrc: www.nftgators.c
References :
The attackers, instead of attempting to profit financially, intentionally destroyed the stolen cryptocurrency in what has been described as a symbolic political statement. The funds were sent to blockchain addresses with the phrase "F***iRGCTerrorists" embedded within them. Experts say that generating addresses with such specific terms requires significant computing power, suggesting the primary goal was to send a message rather than to gain financially. The incident underscores the rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran and the vulnerability of cryptocurrency exchanges to politically motivated cyberattacks.
The cyberattack on Nobitex is part of a broader pattern of cyber warfare between Israel and Iran. While the physical conflict has seen airstrikes and other military actions, the digital realm has become another battleground, with potentially significant repercussions for both countries and the wider global community. This incident also follows reports of internet restrictions within Iran, limiting citizens' access to information and communication amidst escalating tensions. The global cybersecurity community needs to stay prepared for security repercussions for the two combatants and the wider global community as the cyberwarfare portion of the conflict is already spilling over off the battlefield and outside the region.
ImgSrc: www.nftgators.c
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References :
- Zack Whittaker: This article also discusses the attack against Nobitex, noting the financial losses and the involvement of a pro-Israel hacking group.
- techcrunch.com: This news source provides information about the attack against Nobitex, mentioning the theft and destruction of cryptocurrency.
- Metacurity: This article reports on the attack against Nobitex by the Predatory Sparrow group, highlighting the financial impact and geopolitical context of the event.
- NFTgators: This news piece details the financial impact of the attack on Nobitex and the potential geopolitical implications.
- WIRED: This article covers the same event with additional details about the actions of the attacker group and their motives.
- aboutdfir.com: Pro-Israel hackers drained $90 million from Iran crypto exchange, analytics firm says
- fortune.com: Pro-Israel group hacks Iranian crypto exchange for $90 million—but throws away the money
- aboutdfir.com: Israeli-linked hackers seized and burned $90 million from Iran's Nobitex exchange
- www.darknet.org.uk: Israeli-linked hackers seized and destroyed over $90 million from Nobitex, an Iranian crypto exchange.
- SecureWorld News: As kinetic conflict continues to unfold between Israel and Iran, a parallel battle is raging in cyberspace—one that is disrupting financial systems, wiping out crypto holdings, hijacking broadcast channels, and even triggering a near-total internet shutdown.
- www.elliptic.co: The Iran-based Nobitex cryptocurrency exchange suffered a $90 million hack, and the attacker has also promised to imminently release data and source code from the platform.
- Web3 is Going Just Great: Israeli-linked hackers steal and destroy $90 million from Iranian Nobitex exchange The Iran-based Nobitex cryptocurrency exchange suffered a $90 million hack, and the attacker has also promised to imminently release data and source code from the platform.
Classification:
- HashTags: #CyberWarfare #Crypto #IranIsrael
- Company: Iran Crypto Exchange
- Target: Iran Crypto Exchange
- Attacker: Predatory Sparrow
- Product: Crypto Exchange
- Type: Hack
- Severity: Disaster