North Korean Hackers Have Prolific Year
According to Chainalysis, North Korean cybercriminals launched at least seven attacks on cryptocurrency platforms in 2021 that extracted nearly $400 million worth of digital assets. These attacks targeted primarily investment firms and centralized exchanges, and made use of phishing lures, code exploits, malware, and advanced social engineering to siphon funds out of these organizations’ internet-connected “hot” wallets into DPRK-controlled addresses. Once they gained custody of the funds, the attackers began a careful laundering process to cover up and cash out. [Read more]
Bitfinex advises Ontario-based users to close accounts before March 1
Bitfinex said it would be immediately closing the accounts for Ontario-based customers who have no balances on the platform. In addition, it planned to restrict access to those who do not have open positions in the exchange’s peer-to-peer financing market or open margin positions. Ontario-based users who have balances or open positions on Bitfinex will no longer have access to any services starting on March 1. The exchange advised customers to withdraw funds before the effective date. [Read more]
To get these updates sent to your inbox, please sign up here. Also, for those interested in intra-day updates and news that didn’t make the Daily Digest cut, please check out my Diigo fintech bookmarks: https://www.diigo.com/user/kiffmeister/Fintech.
Central Bank Digital Currency Workshop, hosted by the CBDC Think Tank
The CBDC Think Tank (CBDCTT) is hosting an in-person CBDC Workshop in Washington DC on February 24. It’s an intensive and hands-on CBDC course for central bank leadership and staff that are looking to understand and position for CBDCs. The workshop is a mix of lectures from CBDC experts and hands-on exercises. Certification of completion will be provided by the CBDCTT. Note that it is open only to staff from central bank staff and finance ministries! [Register here]
