Limited internal documents or communications
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 5:33 am
Cryptocurrency Funds:
In many of the most severe breaches, hackers gain access to the private keys or internal systems that control users' cryptocurrency funds (including Bitcoin) held by the exchange or wallet service. This results in the direct theft of assets.
How do these "Bitcoin Data Breaches" happen?
These breaches exploit vulnerabilities in the centralized systems that manage user data and funds, rather than the Bitcoin protocol itself. Common attack vectors include:
Social Engineering: Threat actors manipulate finance and banking email list employees (e.g., through phishing, bribery) to gain access to internal systems or sensitive data. A recent example is the Coinbase data leak (May 2025), where criminals bribed overseas customer service agents to obtain customer data.
Hacking/Exploiting System Vulnerabilities: Attackers find and exploit weaknesses in the exchange's or wallet provider's software, infrastructure, APIs, or internal networks.
Stolen/Compromised Credentials: Gaining access to employee or user login credentials, often through phishing, malware, or brute-force attacks.
Insider Threats: Malicious actions by current or former employees.
Ransomware: Encrypting a company's data and demanding Bitcoin (or other crypto) for its release. While the Bitcoin itself isn't stolen in this specific type of attack on the company's systems, the data is held hostage.
In many of the most severe breaches, hackers gain access to the private keys or internal systems that control users' cryptocurrency funds (including Bitcoin) held by the exchange or wallet service. This results in the direct theft of assets.
How do these "Bitcoin Data Breaches" happen?
These breaches exploit vulnerabilities in the centralized systems that manage user data and funds, rather than the Bitcoin protocol itself. Common attack vectors include:
Social Engineering: Threat actors manipulate finance and banking email list employees (e.g., through phishing, bribery) to gain access to internal systems or sensitive data. A recent example is the Coinbase data leak (May 2025), where criminals bribed overseas customer service agents to obtain customer data.
Hacking/Exploiting System Vulnerabilities: Attackers find and exploit weaknesses in the exchange's or wallet provider's software, infrastructure, APIs, or internal networks.
Stolen/Compromised Credentials: Gaining access to employee or user login credentials, often through phishing, malware, or brute-force attacks.
Insider Threats: Malicious actions by current or former employees.
Ransomware: Encrypting a company's data and demanding Bitcoin (or other crypto) for its release. While the Bitcoin itself isn't stolen in this specific type of attack on the company's systems, the data is held hostage.