Iran's Nobitex Cryptocurrency Exchange Hacked for $90 Million by Israel-Linked Group
Nobitex, Iran's largest crypto exchange, was hacked for $90M by 'Predatory Sparrow.' The group threatens to release source code and internal data.
Iran's leading cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex, recently fell victim to a significant cyberattack resulting in a loss of nearly $90 million. The attack was claimed by a group known as Gonjeshke Darande, or 'Predatory Sparrow,' which is reportedly linked to Israel.
The group took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce their responsibility for the breach. They described Nobitex as a platform used for financing terrorism and violating international sanctions. They further threatened to release the platform's source code and internal data within 24 hours, warning that any remaining assets would be at risk. This incident marks the group's second attack in two days, following a data destruction claim at Iran's state-owned Bank Sepah.
Nobitex, as Iran's largest cryptocurrency trading platform, suffered a substantial financial blow with the theft of $90 million in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. According to Chainalysis, an on-chain analytics firm, Nobitex has been involved in illicit activities, maintaining wallets connected to ransomware operators and entities tied to militant groups like Hamas and the Houthis.
This cyberattack occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, both nations having recently engaged in missile exchanges. Iran's state-run news agency, IRIB, has cautioned citizens against using apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, labeling them as tools for Israeli surveillance. Concurrently, Israel's attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure have contributed to a spike in global energy prices.
While Israel has not officially confirmed any association with Gonjeshke Darande, media outlets such as the Jerusalem Post have reported the group's ties to the country. As geopolitical tensions persist, the security of cryptocurrency platforms in the region remains a critical concern.