Bithumb reports internal system breach, says customer crypto assets safe

Bithumb, one of South Korea’s major cryptocurrency exchanges, has launched an internal investigation following a breach of its employee mobile platform by hackers. The company disclosed the incident after detecting unauthorized access to its in-house mobile communication system, which staff use to share information related to daily operations.

Details of the Security Incident

Bithumb detected the breach on Tuesday and immediately reported the incident to the Korea Internet & Security Agency and the Personal Information Protection Commission. This rapid response was made on the same day the attack was discovered, according to statements from the exchange.

The company confirmed that the affected system is an internal work communication platform, not directly connected with customer-facing functions or crypto trading systems. The extent of the compromise remains under review, as Bithumb’s security team analyzes whether any sensitive member information was exposed.

Bithumb stated that it is “analyzing the exact scope, including the possibility of member information being involved,” and emphasized that the internal work system is isolated from the virtual asset trading system, ensuring that customer crypto assets remain inaccessible through this breach.

The exchange said it plans to provide a detailed public update on the matter while continuing its investigation into the incident’s full impact.

Customer Funds and Company Assurance

Bithumb has assured customers that their crypto holdings remain unaffected by the internal breach. According to the exchange, its trading platform and asset storage systems operate separately from the compromised employee communication channel, so direct access to customer funds was not possible.

Cointelegraph reached out to Bithumb for further information but has not yet received an additional response.

A Broader Pattern of Cyberattacks

This incident at Bithumb occurs amid a wider pattern of cybersecurity concerns affecting South Korea’s financial sector. On Wednesday, Lee Chan-jin, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, reported at an official meeting that 16 domestic financial companies had been targeted by hackers as of October 14.

The attacks have affected various firms, including Mirae Asset Global Investments, a leading asset management company, and Daishin Securities, a prominent local brokerage. Mirae Asset indicated it blocked suspicious external access to web systems and is conducting an internal probe. The company affirmed that no investor data had been compromised.

Daishin Securities revealed that personal and credit information on 38,490 clients was leaked following a breach. Authorities are now working with both companies to determine the scope and longer-term consequences of these security incidents.

Bithumb continues its own investigation to confirm if any member information was affected by the breach, maintaining communications with regulatory agencies to provide updates as more facts become available.

Mini dictionary: Bithumb is a leading South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, established in 2014, and is recognized for its high trading volumes and significant role in the country’s digital asset industry.