Introductory Overview
On September 24, Huobi Global, also recently recognized by its rebranded name “HTX,” fell victim to a significant security breach. A total of $7.9 million in cryptocurrency was illicitly transferred, setting off alarms in the crypto trading community.
Details of the Security Incident
At 10 a.m. UTC on the aforementioned date, a hot wallet affiliated with Huobi made a transaction of 4,999 Ether, equating to a substantial $7.9 million. This sizable transfer was made to a previously dormant address, marking its first transaction. This unexpected movement triggered suspicions and further investigations.
Huobi’s Unique Response
Following the malicious activity, another Huobi-associated wallet addressed the perpetrator directly. The message, penned in Chinese, not only acknowledged the exchange’s awareness of the attacker’s identity but also made an unusual proposition. Instead of straightforward threats, Huobi offered the hacker an opportunity to retain 5% of the stolen funds as a “white-hat bonus.” However, this offer came with a stipulation: the malefactor must return the remaining 95% of the illicitly acquired assets.
Reports from Blockchain Analytics Agencies
Cyvers, a reputable blockchain analytics platform, was the first to report the incident on September 25. In addition, Arkham Intelligence, another leading analytics agency, identified the wallet communicating with the attacker as a recognized Huobi hot wallet.
Conclusion and Moving Forward
The breach has once again spotlighted the importance of stringent security measures in the crypto world. As the situation unfolds, the community is keenly awaiting updates, particularly regarding the attacker’s response to Huobi’s unique proposition. Only time will tell if this approach proves to be a pioneering method in dealing with crypto hacks or if it sets a precedent for future negotiations.
