Binance says fake job interviews led to record $6.3bn crypto hack
Hackers stole a record $6.3bn from Binance in a massive cyber attack.
The short version
- They tricked an engineer with a fake job interview and malware.
- Binance froze withdrawals globally before restoring service and replenishing lost funds.
- US crime agencies are investigating the breach.
Hackers who stole a record $6.3bn from Binance, which operates the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, used fake job interviews and a compromised internal AI tool to pull off the massive heist. According to the BBC, initial findings published by the company revealed that hackers gained access through a sophisticated multi-stage campaign targeting its engineers.
The perpetrators contacted one engineer through a legitimate job-hunting platform, built trust over bogus interviews, and tricked him into downloading malware disguised as a job assignment. That compromised computer, along with an internal AI tool, allowed the hackers to take over two other laptops and drain billions of dollars worth of crypto from the company wallets.
The breach forced Binance to suspend withdrawals for customers globally until service was restored, leading to billions more being pulled out by panicked users once trading reopened. Binance apologized for the disruption and stated it has set aside more than 100% of the funds needed to cover the loss, with 98% of the affected tokens replenished.
US crime agencies, including the FBI and the Secret Service, are assisting in tracing the stolen assets, and federal investigators indicate the attack was orchestrated by North Korea, which has denied involvement. Binance says it will now increase investment in AI security tools and hire third-party cyber experts for a full-scale review. Check your own accounts and digital security keys if you hold digital assets on major platforms.
