Upbit Records Over 159,000 Hacking Attempts in H1 2023

South Korea’s crypto exchange Upbit has been in the headlines recently due to alarming statistics revealing it has faced an unprecedented wave of hacking attempts in the first half of 2023. Owned and operated by Dunamu, Upbit has reported staggering figures, with more than 159,000 hacking attempts during this period.

The Soaring Numbers

An earlier report by the South Korea-based Yonhap News Agency revealed that these numbers mark a remarkable surge in cyberattacks on the exchange, witnessing a 117% increase compared to the previous year and a staggering 1800% surge from 2020.

This recent revelation sheds light on the increasingly hostile landscape that crypto exchanges face. Cyberattacks are not a new phenomenon in the crypto industry, but their frequency and sophistication have reached alarming levels. 

The 117% year-over-year increase in hacking attempts on Upbit underscores the urgency of the situation. In just one year, the exchange had to fend off nearly double the number of attacks it faced previously.

Upbit’s Vigilant Defense

As one of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, with a daily trading volume of approximately $1.2 billion, Upbit’s security is paramount not only for its users but also for the stability of the entire cryptocurrency market in the country.

To counter the rising security threats, Upbit has implemented a series of security measures aimed at protecting user funds. One significant step taken by the exchange is the decision to store 70% of its funds in cold wallets. 

Cold wallets are considered safer because they are not connected to the internet, making them less vulnerable to online attacks. This approach ensures that a substantial portion of user assets remains protected even in the face of persistent hacking attempts.

While Upbit faced a significant security breach in 2019, resulting in a loss of $50 million, the exchange has not encountered security issues since then, according to a spokesperson from Dunamu. This indicates that their security enhancements have been effective in deterring potential attacks.

Crypto Exchange Security on a Global Scale

Upbit is not the only exchange facing cyberattacks. Crypto exchanges worldwide have become attractive targets for cybercriminals due to the potential for significant financial gains. CoinEx, a Hong Kong-based exchange, suffered a massive $27 million hack in September, attributed to a compromised private key. In a separate attack on September 24, Huobi Global’s HTX exchange lost $7.9 million.

As cyberattacks on crypto exchanges continue to increase, ensuring the security of digital assets becomes a paramount concern. Investors must take active steps to protect their funds and investments, such as using secure wallets, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying informed about potential threats.

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