Talking Points:
- 4th largest bitcoin exchange was hacked late last week, resulting in stolen client information and funds
- BTC/USD was little changed as the hack was through a work laptop vs. cybersecurity based attack
- Bitcoin acceptance in Japan and Korea becomes more mainstream as SEC mulls cryptocurrency ETF
Check out our analysts’ 3Q 2017 market forecastsfor the Dollar, Euro, Pound, Equities and Gold on the DailyFX Trading Guides page
The Bitcoin to US Dollar exchange rate was little changed following reports that one of the largest Ethereum and Bitcoin exchanges, Bithumb, was hacked late last week. The exchange issued a statement clarifying that the hackers used an employee’s work laptop to gain access to users’ passwords and information, as opposed to recent hacks which have directly compromised cyber-security backstops.
News of the hack did not have a serious impact on price action, as the Bitcoin to Dollar exchange rate appreciated nearly 10 percent this week amid reporting focused on the event. Despite clarifying that the exchange’s ability to withstand cyber-attacks is still intact, many users lost funds and client information was compromised. This hack also comes at a time where Bitcoin and cryptocurrency acceptance is growing, but its viability and sustainability are being challenged.
Japan and Korea have recognized the cryptocurrency as a legitimate medium of exchange and major retailers and companies have already begun transacting in BTC. However, agencies like the SEC continue to worry about the safety of bitcoin and similar instruments. The financial regulator has already rejected two prominent proposals for a cryptocurrency-based ETF.
Below is a list of a few major cryptocurrency exchange cyber-attacks in recent years.
Timeline of Hacks
- Bitfinex Hack 08-02-16
- Bitstamp Hacked 01-04-15
- Major Bitcoin exchanges hit by DDOS attack 07-02-14
- Linode Hack 01-03-12
- Bitcoinica hack 03-2012
- Bitfloor hack 09-2012
- Inputs.io 10-2013
- BIPS 11/13-12/13
- Picostocks 11-2013
